Folk Theory: A Look at Folk Theories on Race

What is Folk Theory?

Folk theory is the common-sense understanding of the world that people have.

It’s the kind of knowledge that people acquire through everyday experience rather than through formal education. They affect how we see the world and everyone in it.

How Does One’s Common Sense Impact Their Perception of the World?

Common sense is a funny thing.

We hold this concept in high regard and view common sense as sound judgment based on universal truths. Some may think of common sense as something you’re born with or without. But common sense is judgment concerning everyday matters or an essential ability to perceive and understand things in a manner that nearly everyone around you shares.

And this means that our common sense comprises ideas people believe to be accurate and even fact. And this means that our common sense is only ideas people consider accurate and trustworthy. 

Laypersons develop these ideas and are subject to culture; one society’s ethics are another society’s taboos. Our common sense is not fixed but constantly evolving as new information and experiences shape our understanding of the world. 

So it is essential to question and challenge our common sense beliefs, as they may not always be accurate or applicable to different situations and contexts. The good news is that common sense often serves us well. But getting things right often is not the same as getting things right always.

What is the relationship between folk theories and scientific theories?

Folk theories influence scientific theories. But scientific theories and scientific evidence are entirely separate things.

Folk theories can be helpful in some situations but can also lead to misunderstandings and errors. And some are especially harmful. 

Should You Avoid Relying on Folk Theories? 

No, not necessarily.

Folk theories can be helpful as long as you’re aware of their limitations. And there certainly are limitations. For example, unless trained, we do not think to seek contradictory evidence. We tend to avoid contradictory evidence and dismiss it rather than observe and reflect. 

In this article, we will be exploring folk theories on race and how they work. We will also examine how folk theories on race allow racism to exist in places you least expect and how it can impact people’s lives.

How Pervasive are Folk Theories on Race?

We all have some folk theory about race.

People’s beliefs about race transcended centuries, even though science may not support them. For example, many people believe that races are biologically different. 

To this day, white Americans with ethnic ancestry from multiple European countries will refer to themselves as “mutts.” Mutts are animals of mixed breeds and uncertain origins. So what does this make mixed-race people? I get a hybrid for an answer, as in the product of two different species. Let that one sink in. 

Where Do Folk Theories on Race Come From?

Our ideas about race are inherited from generation to generation.

Folk theories on race are based on cultural stereotypes and misinformation. A lot of these ideas come from what we see in the media. TV, movies, and even advertising can perpetuate racial stereotypes.

Our media historically portrays Black males as aggressive criminals. In contrast, our media often depicts Asian males as nerds who do poorly with women. And like some sick joke, the men in real life live the consequences of these perspectives. Although Asians are subject to discrimination and violence, the differences in perception between the two groups are stark. 

Sometimes, personal experiences or observations confirm what we learn from others. Whatever the source, folk theories about race can have a powerful impact on how we see ourselves and others.

The Strength of Folk Theories on Race

People continue valuing folk theories on race, usually when the beliefs complement their own racial identity.

You will find that many are likely to become angry and even enraged when told we are all biologically the same. Today, many who will profess contempt for racism will stand firm on the notion that there are biological differences between the races. This way of thinking is so common amongst whites that it’s no secret to everyone else.  

People hold these folk theories without scientific evidence. Yet people will insist that there are proven biological differences between races even when confronted with contradictory evidence! Many will use stipulative explanations against contradictory information, and many will disregard scientific evidence as nothing more than political correctness. 

The Folk Theory that Transcends Cultures:

One of the most common folk theories on race is the belief that whiteness is superior.

The political and social importance of race is what makes race so important. It shapes our experiences, can make our lives harder, and can create additional obstacles. Race is one group’s advantage which makes it another group’s disadvantage. 

This belief comes from the idea that white people are more intelligent, attractive, and successful than people of any other group.

European conquest instilled this belief across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. However, colorism throughout Asia predates European supremacy. The working class would become darker due to labor-intensive outdoor work. At the same time, the wealthy remained indoors and untouched by the sun. This colorism was due to classism.

This folk theory of white supremacy can lead to internalized racism – where people of color believe they are inferior to white people. Internalized racism can hurt people’s self-esteem and mental health. It can also lead to people of color supporting the system that oppresses them.

Folk theories on race directly impact how people see and interact with others. They can make people more likely to judge and discriminate against others based on their race.

Race is, therefore, a socio-political phenomenon. The political and social importance of race is what makes race so important. It shapes our experiences, can make our lives harder, and can create additional obstacles. Race is one group’s advantage which makes it another group’s disadvantage. 

How do Folk Theories on Race Impact Society?

Folk theories about race often promote stereotypes and prejudice and can even lead to discrimination and violence.

Historically, the United States used beliefs about racial differences to justify chattel slavery, genocide, appropriation of indigenous land, and strict immigration policies for non-European immigrants.

Historic systemic racism set today’s racial structure in America’s neighborhoods and communities and our income inequality. And although the people of marginalized communities continue to make strides toward closing the wealth gap, they continue to face additional obstacles that are not present for white Americans. 

For example, a 2016 study discovered that companies are more than twice as likely to call minority applicants for interviews if they submit whitened resumes than to contact candidates who reveal their race.

Researchers sent resumes for Black and Asian applicants to 1,600 entry-level jobs in 16 US metropolitan areas. Some resumes included minority status, while others concealed any evidence of racial identifiers. The researchers then observed the number of applicants invited for interviews.

Black candidates received callbacks 25% of the time with whitened resumes, compared to only 10% with ethnic details. For Asians, 21% received callbacks with whitened resumes, compared to 11.5% with racial references.

Folk theories about race can also impact how the criminal justice system treats some over others. Studies have shown that people of color are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to harsher penalties than white people.

So it’s essential to know the existing folk theories on race, and it’s also important to challenge them when you see them. 

Conclusion

Folk theories about race can be harmful and perpetuate false beliefs. It’s essential to be critical of the information you consume and consider how your ideas might impact others. 

I hope that this article has provided some clarity on this topic. If you want to learn more, subscribe to my blog for updates and the monthly newsletter. And give me a follow on Instagram to keep in touch!

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