Individualized and Structural Understandings of Racism – Implications for Antiracism Engagement

In the present study, we apply a multimethod approach to examine understandings of racism and their relationship with antiracism engagement in Germany. We conducted a preregistered online survey with 147 participants. Open answers on participants’ understandings of racism were analyzed using content analysis. Additionally, we quantitatively measured racism understandings and reported antiracism engagement at individual and structural levels, as well as self- and group efficacy, and zero-sum beliefs. After accounting for understandings of both, individualized and structural racism, only structural racism understanding was significantly associated with individual- and structural-level antiracism engagement. Efficacy beliefs were positively associated with individual- and structural-level antiracism engagement. We recommend that antiracism interventions promote awareness of structural racism and a sense of efficacy to increase antiracism engagement.