Prototypes of race and gender: The invisibility of Black women

Research on racial and gender stereotyping typically focuses on the role of one of these social categories at a time rather than race/gender combinations We Suggest that the relative non-prototypicality of Black women's race and gender results in their invisibility relative to White women and to Black and White men (Fryberg & Townsend, 2008, Purdie-vaughns & Eibach, 2008) Two Studies address whether Black women go Unnoticed and their voices Unheard, by examining memory for Black women's faces and speech contributions We found that photos of Black women were least likely to be recognized (Study 1). and statements said by a Black woman in a group discussion were least likely to be correctly attributed (Study 2) compared to Black men and White women and White men The importance and implications of invisibility as a Unique form of disci imination are discussed (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.