White-presenting Indigenous peoples

Abstract

Indigenous individuals who physically appear White, or White-presenting Indigenous Peoples (WPIPs) are a growing and unique group. Previous research indicates multi-dimensional discrimination, coming from darker-skinned Indigenous peoples (DSIPs), WPIPs themselves, and White people (Lawrence, 2004). The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of WPIPs utilizing a model of horizontal hostility (White, Schmitt, & Langer, 2006) and expectancy violation theory (e.g., Jussim, Coleman, & Lerch, 1987). Participants were 242 university of Saskatchewan students and community members (121 self-identifying as Indigenous and 121 self-identifying as White). All participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions to view a medical school application: a WPIP target, a DSIP target, or a White target. Participants then rated the candidates on a series of traits. Results did not support horizontal hostility as modelled by White et al. (2006), whereby darker-skinned Indigenous participants would rate the WPIP candidate worse than the White candidate. Findings did, however, support the definition of horizontal hostility (White et al., 2006), as Indigenous participants rated the WPIP candidate worse than the DSIP candidate, and themes of horizontal hostility were identified in answers to open-ended questions. Findings also indicated support for in-group bias on behalf of Indigenous participants, and expectancy violation theory on behalf of White participants, as both Indigenous and White participants rated the Indigenous candidates better than the White candidate. Results are discussed within the context of lateral violence and modern prejudice.