We’ve all heard the terms implicit, unconscious, and explicit bias before, but many of us wonder what the differences are. These terms are often interchangeable when people discuss them, so understanding what they mean is important. In this post, I will be a friendly guide to help you, dear reader, understand implicit, unconscious and explicit bias and how they affect the way we think and behave.
What does the word bias mean?
To understand bias, we first need to know what bias means. The word bias, derived from the French word “biais,” was used to describe something that was slanted or leaning in a certain direction. In the mid-1500s, the English dictionary adopted the word, and its meaning shifted from a term once commonly used to describe fabric to one now used to describe prejudice or a leaning toward something. Prejudice means to have an unreasonable dislike, preference, or bias for or against someone or something. We can be prejudiced towards or against something or someone. The term bias highlights how individuals’ life experiences shape their beliefs and perspectives, and these ideologies are influenced by our upbringing, culture, education, media, the people we interact with and other experiences; all of these factors shape our assumptions about things and people.
What is implicit bias?
Implicit bias (also known as unconscious bias) occurs when someone holds a bias without realizing it. They’re not actively going out of their way to act on the bias because they don’t even know that they have it. Often, we can believe that we treat everyone the same because we don’t have biases. In fact, it can be part of our values to be fair, compassionate people… but our wonderful human brains can step in with biases we aren’t even aware of.
It’s a common feature of human brains to not realize we have bias! We all have biases we are unaware of. Bias is a way for our brains to make split-second decisions about what is safe or good, so we can use our brainpower for other things. For example, if you were bitten by a dog as a child, your brain could help keep you safe by telling you to avoid dogs next time you see one. This can be really helpful! The issue arises when we gather information about people based on stereotypes, harmful beliefs, or historical inaccuracies, for example. Our brains are just trying to be helpful, but they can collect corrupted data, which leads to faulty logic.
That’s why these biases are called implicit or unconscious; they happen without us noticing. Implicit bias leads to actions such as skipping over a resume when the name looks hard to pronounce, assuming that a nurse is a woman and a doctor is a man, or feeling an affinity towards someone who shares the same background as you. We are not aware that the split-second thoughts we are having are based on biased beliefs or certain life experiences, which is why implicit bias can be tricky to spot. Understanding that no matter our background, we all hold implicit bias is a great start. Alongside learning to slow down and ask ourselves if we might be basing decisions on unhelpful assumptions or stereotypes. Plus, please don’t feel shame if you’re able to spot bias you have – it’s a normal part of being human. What matters is what you do with that information.
Are implicit bias and unconscious bias the same?
Yes, implicit bias and unconscious bias are the same; both terms are used interchangeably.
How is explicit bias different?
Although implicit and unconscious bias are often treated as the same, they differ from explicit bias. Explicit bias occurs when someone is openly biased, believing they’re superior to others based on their demographics or identity. Unlike implicit and unconscious bias, explicit bias is intentional; the person knows they hold these prejudiced beliefs (an internal experience) and can engage in discriminatory actions (an external behavior). They could have been exposed to the same faulty logic or experiences that lead to implicit bias, but the difference is that they may have chosen to double down when they realized they held biases. Some may even claim they aren’t biased because they truly and deeply believe they are correct in their thinking.
Explicit bias leads to actions such as racist remarks, treating women and other marginalized genders unfairly, or believing someone from a low-income background is undeserving or lazy. Explicit bias requires personal exploration, a willingness to challenge beliefs, and exposure to different perspectives and people to unlearn. In some ways, it can be much easier to spot our explicit biases because we can be aware that we hold them. The hard part is being able or prepared to challenge those beliefs.
Both implicit and explicit bias can lead to devastating consequences, for example, the murder of Black people by law enforcement. A split-second decision to shoot can come from an unconscious fear from bias, as can the deliberate targeting and execution by someone who is actively anti-Black.
How DEI helps with bias
That’s why DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) matters so much; it helps people see and understand their biases. When we notice where our biases come from, we can consider if holding biases aligns with our values and whether holding on to those biases helps us achieve our goals. DEI work gives people the tools to recognize these patterns and work towards creating a society where everyone feels respected and acknowledged.
Ready to learn more about unconscious bias?
Check out our unconscious bias training here or send a message.
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, make sure to order a copy of Elmer Dixon’s powerful memoir DIE STANDING: From Black Panther Revolutionary to Global Diversity Consultant and check out what others have been saying about Elmer and his story.
Check out these other opportunities to see what folks are saying about Elmer and his continued work.
- See Elmer speak at Stories from the Revolutions’ Front Lines at his keynote at TEDxUTulsa
- Listen to Elmer talk on NPR’s The Jefferson Exchange
- Read about Elmer’s story in a piece featured in The Seattle Times
- Listen to Elmer on The Medium