The psychosocial effects of Native American mascots: a comprehensive review of empirical research findings

Approximately 2,000 teams in the U.S. utilize Native American mascots, the majority of which are associated with schools. Across the nation there continue to be many intense conflicts over these mascots. Most conflicts focus on differences in opinion, rather than on the effects of these mascots. The...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Race, ethnicity and education ethnicity and education, 2020-09, Vol.23 (5), p.613-633
Main Authors: Davis-Delano, Laurel R., Gone, Joseph P., Fryberg, Stephanie A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
American Indian Students
American Indians
Asian Americans
Athletics
College Students
Decision makers
discrimination
equal education
Ethnic Stereotypes
Group dynamics
Group Unity
Intergroup relations
Mascots
Native North Americans
Popular Culture
Psychological Patterns
Psychosocial factors
Racial Bias
Schools
Social Attitudes
Social Bias
Social psychology
Sports
Stereotypes
Student Attitudes
Supporters
Team sports
Teams
Well Being
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Summary:Approximately 2,000 teams in the U.S. utilize Native American mascots, the majority of which are associated with schools. Across the nation there continue to be many intense conflicts over these mascots. Most conflicts focus on differences in opinion, rather than on the effects of these mascots. The purpose of this article is to provide educational decision-makers with a comprehensive review of research on the psychosocial effects of Native American mascots. This body of research suggests that these mascots generate undesirable effects. First, they are psychologically detrimental to Native American students. Second, for non-Native persons, they are associated with negative stereotypes of Native Americans. Third, these mascots undermine intergroup relations by increasing negative stereotyping of Native Americans. Lastly, supporters of these mascots are more apt to believe prejudicial ideas. We discuss these findings relative to broader societal contexts.
ISSN:1361-3324
1470-109X
DOI:10.1080/13613324.2020.1772221