Expanding the Understanding of the Categories of Dysconscious Racism

Abstract

Dysconscious racism is generally defined as the unquestioned acceptance of culturally dominant norms and privileges, with three categories used to describe college students’ reasoning for enduring racial inequity. These range from the historical determinism of slavery to racially exploitive standards inherent in American society. However, few studies have fully utilized these categories. This article has sought to encourage a renewed interest into the student categories by considering them as more of a progressive, developmental continuum.

• Key words: dysconscious racism
• intellectual development
• college students
• miseducation.