Are All Allyship Attempts Helpful? An Investigation of Effective and Ineffective Allyship

Abstract

Allyship is portrayed by scholars as universally helpful to those in marginalized groups, but acts of intended allyship are not always seen as effective by recipients. In three studies, we define effective and ineffective allyship attempts, consider individual differences that may influence perceptions of allyship, and evaluate outcomes. Effective allyship was characterized by increasing inclusion and acceptance, effectively challenging bias, empowering the recipient, and advocating for them. Allyship missteps involved not acknowledging privilege, not recognizing identity differences, not addressing biases, lacking skill, or offering dependency-oriented help. Ineffective allyship was negatively related to psychological safety and positive affect and positively related to anxiety and negative affect for marginalized group members, with the reverse occurring for effective behaviors. Many of these effects were stronger in magnitude for marginalized group members who were higher in stigma consciousness and identity centrality. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Appendices

Appendix 1 Effective and ineffective allyship attempt instructions for studies 1, 2, and 3

Ineffective allyship attempt: we are interested in learning about people who consider themselves to be allies from the perspective of people from marginalized groups. Please use the space below to write about a time during which a member of majority group advocated on your behalf when you were experiencing bigotry, unfairness, or inequality as a result of being a member of a marginalized group (e.g., racial/ethnic minority, LGBTQ +). Please write about a time when the ally attempted to advocate or intervene but did so ineffectively. That is, please describe a time when someone considered themselves an ally but actually was not very helpful, or was even harmful from your perspective.

Effective allyship attempt: we are interested in learning about people who consider themselves to be allies from the perspective of people from marginalized groups. Please use the space below to write about a time during which a member of majority group advocated on your behalf when you were experiencing discrimination, bigotry, unfairness, or inequality as a result of being a member of a marginalized group (e.g., racial/ethnic minority, LGBTQ +). Please write about a time when the ally attempted to advocate or intervene and did so effectively. That is, please describe a time when someone considered themselves as an ally and their actions were helpful to you, either in changing the outcome of a situation or in making you feel supported.

Mturk Ad study 1, 2, and 3

We are conducting an academic survey about previous, but recently, experiences you have had as a result of another person stepping in to help you. The survey is expected to take 10–15 min but you will have up to 2 h to submit your response before the survey expires. You will be compensated $1.50 for your participation. To participate, you must meet following criteria:

• 1. US citizen

• 2. Living in the USA for the past 5 + years

• 3. Native English speaker

• 4. 18 years + 

• 5. Work 30 + h a week

• 6. Are a member of a racial or ethnic minority in the USA (American Indian/Native American, Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Middle-Eastern, Pacific Islander)²

• 7. Have had an experience with an ally trying to help you over the past year

Appendix 2 Willingness to learn about marginalized groups

Instructions: using the “1” (never) to “5” (very frequently) provided, please indicate the frequency with which you engage in the behaviors outlined in the statements on this page. Note that “minority groups” refer to racial and ethnic minorities as well as sexual minorities (e.g., LGBTQ+).

• 1. I seek out information about individuals from marginalized groups.

• 2. I enjoy learning about people from different minority backgrounds.

• 3. I ask people from marginalized groups about their life experiences.

• 4. I read books, blogs and online articles by authors from marginalized groups.

• 5. I am always open to learning more about the experiences of people from marginalized groups.