Hidden obstacles to reconciliation in australia: The persistence of stereotypes

Abstract

The reconciliation movement in Australia aims to build mutually respectful relationships between indigenous and other Australians by eliminating ‘gaps’ in health and well-being, educating about Indigenous history and culture and addressing social disadvantages based on false beliefs and stereotypes. Psychological literature has much to offer to the last aim, with a wealth of research documenting the negative overtone of intrapersonal processes such as attitudes, false beliefs and stereotype knowledge about Aboriginal Australians, and also suggesting approaches for improving them. However, stereotypes and false beliefs are also transmitted through interpersonal processes, such as communicatio..