Acknowledging and Examining Unconscious Bias

Bias exists in all of us, often unconsciously. Shaped by family, culture and society, bias informs our understanding, actions and decisions, often without our awareness. Recognising and understanding bias is a fundamental part of personal growth and collective healing. When we examine and change our own biases, we are taking a step toward a more inclusive and equitable world.

But here’s the catch; usually the more privilege we have, the more likely we are to carry unconscious bias. When we live with certain advantages, it can be easy to overlook how different the world looks for those without them. Privilege - whether it’s related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors - often creates a layer of insulation making it harder to see the challenges that others face. Without those direct experiences, we might rely on stereotypes of assumptions rather than true understanding. This is why the privileged often carry biases they don’t even know they have.

Examples of Unconscious Bias that we may consider examining for ourselves;

1. Fat Bias and Thin White Privilege

Fat bias is the assumption that people with larger bodies are lazy, unhealthy, or lack self discipline. This stereotype often overlooks the broader influences on body size, such as genetics, health conditions, and socioeconomic background.

A key element here is what is known as thin white privilege. In many societies, especially in Western cultures, there’s a strong bias in favour of thin, white, conventionally attractive bodies. Those who fit this narrow standard often experience certain privileges, such as easier access to clothing sizes and healthcare to social acceptance and respect. People who don’t fit this standard often face judgement. Thin white privilege can often lead to a lack of understanding about the systemic challenges faced by people in larger bodies.

I’ve experienced this bias myself as a yoga teacher. As someone who has recovered from an eating disorder and doesn’t fit the stereotypical image of a thin yoga instructor, I notice judgements about my body size that don’t consider my journey or my commitment to holistic wellness - not just the size of my body. This assumption is rooted in thin white privilege - a standard that dictates not only what a “healthy” or “fit” body looks like but also who is seen as credible and worthy in wellness spaces. 

2. Economic Bias

Economic bias is another example, where we assume that others have the same financial opportunities as we do. This bias can stem from not fully recognising the barriers faced by others like limited access to education, generational poverty or job discrimination. Those of us who haven’t faced these challenges first-hand may not realise how much privilege impacts financial stability and opportunity. Instead, we might assume that financial security is purely a result of hard work, ignoring systemic factors that make it much harder for some.

Acknowledging and bringing our biases into the light, especially when we hold certain privileges, helps us to build a society that values each person’s story, experiences and humanity. This is not about guilt but about self awareness and reflection to understand the assumptions that we may not always see. Understanding our assumptions and biases is an ongoing journey. Each time we consider and acknowledge our assumptions and biases, we open ourselves to growth and genuine connection with all people.