Dictionary: Unconscious bias

What is unconscious bias?

Unconscious bias refers to the automatic and often subtle associations and judgments that we make about people and situations based on our past experiences, cultural conditioning, and socialisation. These biases are often outside of our awareness and can influence our thoughts, actions, and decisions in ways that are not aligned with our stated values or beliefs.

Unconscious bias can take many forms and can affect our interactions with others in a number of ways. For example, someone might have an unconscious bias against people of a certain race, gender, or age, which could lead them to make assumptions or stereotypes about those individuals. Unconscious bias can also lead to a lack of diversity in hiring, promotions, and other areas where decisions are made.

It is important to be aware of the role that unconscious bias can play in our lives and to take steps to mitigate its impact. This can involve becoming more aware of our own biases and working to challenge and overcome them, as well as promoting policies and practices that promote fairness and inclusivity.