How does explicit bias differ from implicit bias?

Dr. Lorie Fridell, CEO of Fair & Impartial Policing, discusses the difference between explicit bias and implicit bias in this video.

To understand the value of implicit-bias training, professionals must first recognize the difference between explicit and implicit bias. Previously, bias training often focused only on explicit bias and the resulting negative behavior, failing to recognize the less obvious but equally detrimental effects of implicit bias. People who understand implicit bias can better practice safe and just behaviors.  

A person manifesting explicit bias categorizes individuals and links those categories of people with negative stereotypes. Those stereotypes can affect the individual’s perceptions and behaviors, producing discriminatory behavior. The person with explicit bias is aware of his/her stereotypes about groups and unconcerned about the discriminatory behavior that can result.  With implicit bias, as with explicit bias, we categorize people and link those groups of people to stereotypes. In contrast to explicit bias, these “implicit associations” can affect us outside of conscious awareness and yet, nonetheless, impact our perceptions and behaviors. Implicit bias manifests even in well-intentioned individuals who, at the conscious level, reject biases, stereotypes, and prejudice.  

To understand more about explicit vs implicit bias, or to learn more about the implicit-bias-awareness-training provided by FIP, contact us today.