The Impacts of Anti-Black Racism in Psychology: How "Whiteness" structurally sustains anti-Blackness in psychology

Abstract

This article explores the pervasive impacts of anti-Black racism within the field of psychology, highlighting how the discipline has historically contributed to the marginalization and dehumanization of Black individuals. By examining the legacy of pseudoscientific research and the construction of "Whiteness" as the normative standard, the article demonstrates how these practices have informed harmful policies, including forced sterilization, segregation, biased intelligence testing, and exclusionary immigration laws. Despite contemporary efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, the authors argue that superficial initiatives fail to address the structural foundations of anti-Blackness embedded within psychology. The article calls for a fundamental restructuring of the discipline, advocating for the dismantling of systems that uphold White supremacy and the development of a more equitable and just psychological science. Through this critical analysis, the piece urges a transformative approach that moves beyond performative allyship and toward genuine systemic change.