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Whiteness And Its Effects On Multiracial Congregations

Presenters Name: 
Nicole Grofcik
Co Presenters Name: 
Primary Research Mentor: 
Tony Lin
Secondary Research Mentor: 
Session: 
4
Location: 
Room 389
Grant Program Recipient: 
USOAR Program
Abstract: 

This research explores the ways that whiteness impacts multiracial congregations. The focus of this research has been to analyze scholarly literature on multiracial congregations through the lens of sociologist, Matthew Hughey’s (2012) identified terms of ‘White Debt’ (the perception that the white racial identity is “bland”, “cultureless”, yet “empty yet superior”) and ‘Color Capital’ (non-white culture associated with “soul” and “exoticism”). In exploring multiracial congregations through this lens, there is a noticeable pattern of colorblind racism – treating all equally without regard to race, culture, and ethnicity –within these congregations as well as an institutional bias towards white comfort. The implication of these findings emphasizes that whiteness greatly influences these multiracial congregations as both inhibit these congregation’s goals of racial reconciliation. Despite the good intentions of successful integration in multiracial congregations, these findings showcase the prevalence of white hegemony, even in open religious communities.