Abstract
Interpersonal conflict management is hampered by ignorance of the cultural norms that characterize an individual's racial group. Blacks' and Whites' conflict-coping preferences were examined in two studies using a scenario that manipulated an offender's race. In Study 1, Blacks, more than Whites, preferred more behaviorally expressive styles of dealing with conflict and eschewed more reserved tactics. Moreover, individuals were less confrontational with offenders of their same racial group. In Study 2, weaker evidence that Blacks prefer more expressive styles of conflict management was observed. Racial differences in attributions of malicious intent of the offender, and in diminished expectations for the relationship, are explored as possible causes of racial differences in conflict management style.
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Davidson, M.N. Know Thine Adversary: The Impact of Race on Styles of Dealing with Conflict. Sex Roles 45, 259–276 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014301429426
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014301429426