Bringing Microaggressions From the Shadows to the Spotlight: Unveiling Silencing Mechanisms and Distinct Patterns in Coping

Abstract

While many organizations work intensively to implement gender equity policies, women's experiences remain heavily marked by covert forms of bias, with microaggressions being the most ubiquitous. Microaggressions (which subtly but persistently manifest prejudice at the behavioral level), persist in workplaces despite growing awareness of their negative impacts. This qualitative study examines why they are often met with silence, exploring the interplay between silencing mechanisms rooted in inequality regimes and individual coping strategies. One hundred twenty-five participants (three-quarters of whom were women) shared nearly 700 incidents of microaggressions on an online platform in a Western European setting. Findings highlight five distinct stages individuals cope with microaggressions: ignorance, awareness, hypervigilance, resignation, and psychological control. Each of these coping mechanisms was influenced by structural silencing mechanisms, the individual's understanding of what was happening to them, and the frequency with which they encountered microaggressions. The study underscores how structural inequalities perpetuate microaggressions and their subsequent silencing, emphasizing that the harm of microaggressions goes beyond the initial incident to include the inability to address them effectively. This demonstrates that addressing microaggressions requires a twofold approach: dismantling silencing mechanisms rooted in inequality regimes and empowering individuals with tailored strategies to confront these subtle yet damaging forms of discrimination. This research provides key insights into fostering more inclusive and equitable workplaces.