Embodiment, Contemplative Practice, and Equality: Developing a Programmatic and Research Agenda for Reducing Ingroup Bias through Embodied Inquiry and Contemplative Practice

Prejudice and discrimination have destructive consequences in contemporary society. Discrimination based on social categorization (e.g., by gender, age or ethnicity) is thought to stem from implicit and explicit expression of in-group bias, a preference for others who belong to one’s own salient social categories. Existing theories are limited in explaining how to limit the effects of such bias on social behavior, decision making, and well-being. This Mind & Life Think Tank will integrate perspectives from contemplative studies, the humanities, psychology, and neuroscience to better understand how to overcome in-group bias and its expression as prejudice. We will explore the potential for embodied contemplative practices to disrupt automatic categorization of others and promote prosocial behavior. Deliverables include an integrated theoretical model that introduces new practical measures and techniques for reducing bias and prejudice.

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