Breaking Bias: Stories and Strategies That Work
Episode Overview
Ben Barris's transition highlighted subtle biases in professional settings. Diversity training programs often lack evidence of effectiveness. Implicit association tests have reliability issues and don't predict behaviour well. Patricia Devine's habit-breaking training shows promising results. Empathic discipline reduces racial disparities in student discipline.
"I thought to myself, maybe if this shows up looking like it's coming from a man, maybe the response will be different."
What drives someone to seek a life free from bias? This episode takes you on a journey through the eyes of neurobiologist Ben Barris, who experienced a profound shift in how he was treated after transitioning from female to male. Barris found himself respected in ways he hadn't imagined, shedding light on the subtle yet impactful nature of unconscious bias.
The episode dives into the complexities of bias, exploring how it affects various aspects of life—from healthcare to policing—and why traditional methods like diversity training might not be the magic bullet they're often touted to be. Jessica Nordell, a science writer, shares her own eye-opening experiences with bias, revealing how even simple changes like using a male pseudonym can dramatically alter professional outcomes.
Nordell discusses the implicit association test and its limitations, as well as innovative strategies that have shown promise in reducing bias, such as Patricia Devine's habit-breaking training and Jason Okonofua's empathic discipline approach. These interventions offer hope that with effort and commitment, meaningful change is possible. So, are we truly capable of overcoming bias, or is it an eternal battle? Dive into these stories and strategies to find out.