In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers led by University of Illinois psychology professor Benedek Kurdi, significant shifts in both explicit and implicit biases have been reported. Spanning from 2009 to 2019, the research analyzed data from over 1.4 million participants across 33 different countries, providing a comprehensive view of social attitudes towards stigmatized groups including age, race, body weight, skin tone, and sexual orientation. The findings indicate that while substantial decreases in self-reported explicit biases were common globally, the trends involving implicit biases painted a more complex narrative.
To grasp the magnitude of the changes in bias, it’s essential to understand the distinction between explicit and implicit bias. Explicit bias refers to the attitudes and beliefs that individuals openly profess, typically through surveys and questionnaires. On the other hand, implicit bias is unconscious and often revealed through behavioral tests, like the Implicit Association Test (IAT). This study highlights that explicit bias against various stigmatized groups, being expressed through self-reported measures, diminished significantly in many areas, suggesting a shift towards greater social tolerance and acceptance over the decade.
Explicitly, the trends reported got stronger as individuals from many countries indicated decreased bias against stigmatized groups. This reduction was particularly noticeable in responses related to sexuality, which saw a remarkable 43% decline in self-reported bias over the study period. In contrast, other aspects, such as bias related to body weight and age, did not show similar progress, remaining high even while explicit attitudes shifted positively.
Kurdi noted that these explicit trends align well with changing social norms, reflecting an evolving landscape where understanding and acceptance of diversity is becoming more mainstream. While self-reported biases seem to be decreasing, the implications of implicit biases remain. The study revealed surprising stability in implicit attitudes regarding age, race, and body weight, underlining the complexity of hidden biases that people may harbor despite outward displays of acceptance. This duality—where explicit self-reports are improving while implicit biases are slower to change—highlights the nuanced nature of societal attitudes toward stigma.
In examining the international data collected, researchers were particularly interested to find that similar patterns were observable in many countries, even though variations existed. For example, while U.S. participants reported less implicit bias regarding sexuality, race, and skin tone, implicit attitudes related to body weight remained relatively unchanged. Kurdi emphasized that such findings present critical insights into the dynamics of implicit social cognition, revealing how cultural and social contexts can shape individual attitudes on a large scale.
The global perspective allowed researchers to compare biases against different stigmatized groups across cultures. Findings indicated substantial decreases in self-reported biases internationally, with the lowest reduction occurring amongst individuals with higher body weight. The data produced a pivotal intersection of sociology and psychology, showcasing how public sentiment about diverse identities is evolving faster than the subconscious attitudes that inform implicit biases.
One of the study’s breakthroughs is its capacity to track changes over an extended period, offering valuable insight into how societal influences, such as media portrayal and global movements, are potentially reshaping perceptions. Kurdi observed that representation in the media likely plays a significant role in fostering understanding and acceptance, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ identities. He noted that as media representation of various groups becomes more prominent and diverse, it contributes to altering the average public perception of these identities, thereby reducing implicit biases over time.
The implications of these findings extend into pivotal conversations about policy and advocacy. Change-makers and activists can leverage these insights, utilizing understanding of both explicit and implicit biases to create more effective strategies for inclusivity. The fact that implicit biases are more resistant to change suggests a need for continued interventions and educational programs that not only challenge explicit prejudices but also address underlying automatic associations formed in individuals’ subconscious minds.
Kurdi’s comprehensive research also underscores a hopeful narrative: both explicit and implicit biases can evolve. This conveys a powerful message that change is indeed possible, particularly when societal narratives shift to encourage understanding and acceptance over time. The researchers believe that noting the ongoing challenges of implicit biases is crucial, as the fight against stigma and discrimination is still far from over.
As we observe these trends, there remains an importance in fostering dialogue around biases to further understand their origins and manifestations. With the current cultural climate shifting towards greater awareness and social justice, this research opens numerous pathways for future studies. The results provoke thought about how education, representation, and continued advocacy will shape future attitudes towards stigmatized groups across the globe.
As the findings continue to circulate, Kurdi’s work offers an impetus for further exploration in the realm of social psychology and implicit cognition. The vast datasets collected through Project Implicit provide a reservoir of information that has broad implications for understanding social attitudes over time. By connecting the dots between explicit and implicit attitudes, we become better equipped to tackle the challenges of discrimination in modern-day society.
Moving forward, the study encourages a collaborative effort in addressing biases effectively. It highlights the need for deeper understanding, ongoing discussions, and practical applications in policy-making, education, and community engagement to nurture a more equitable societal landscape.
This compelling body of work signifies not just progress in understanding bias, but also provides a robust framework for future investigations, fueling discussions on how we view stigma and inclusion in a continually diversifying world.
Subject of Research: Bias Reduction Across Various Demographics
Article Title: International Stability and Change in Explicit and Implicit Attitudes: An Investigation Spanning 33 Countries, Five Social Groups, and 11 Years (2009–2019)
News Publication Date: March 31, 2025
Web References: Project Implicit, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General
References: Kurdi, B. et al. (2025). International stability and change in explicit and implicit attitudes: An investigation spanning 33 countries, five social groups, and 11 years (2009–2019).
Image Credits: Photo by Craig Pessman
Keywords: Bias, Implicit Association, Attitudes, Social Cognition, Stigma, Global Research, Diversity, Acceptance, Social Psychology, Representation
