Research

Most of my current research program falls into one of three research streams. I briefly describe these areas below.

CULTURAL DEFAULTS

In this line of work, I study how the racialization of cultural defaults, or what we view as normal, conventional, and/or neutral, contributes to racial inequity. To date, I’ve primarily explored these defaults in relation to the physical body (i.e., hair and skin), ideals for employment settings (i.e., professionalism), and creative works (i.e., TV shows, film, etc.).

RACIOETHNIC STIGMATIZATION

In this line of work, I study how processes relating to identity-based devaluation shape racial and ethnic relations. To date, I’ve primarily explored these dynamics within the context of workplaces, schools, churches, and society at large.

ORG (IN)AUTHENTICITY & INTERGROUP RELATIONSKeep it 100

In this line of work, I study how organizations contribute to inequality with egalitarian identity claims that seemingly depart from their actual behaviors. To date, I’ve primarily explored these dynamics in employment, consumption, and religious settings.