Unconscious Bias

by Annie Burdick

How can we challenge the judgements we don’t even know we’re making?

Unconscious bias affects us all. From the smallest assumption to the most sweeping generalization, the way we think about others can unknowingly influence our behaviour and shape our culture. Acting as your mentor and guide, this book will take you through the most common forms of prejudice, including gender, race, size, age and sexuality. It also explores the psychology behind our biases and provides actionable tips and simple exercises to help you combat implicit judgements.

You will learn:

Why our biases matter
How to identify your own biases
Techniques to mitigate unconscious bias
How to make objective decisions

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Psychology

144 pages, Hardcover

Published March 11, 2021

Reviews

[Cynthia]

Unconscious Bias has a textbook vibe to it. It’s not anecdotal, nor does it go into extreme depth about the types of unconscious biases mentioned, but the author is clear that this is not a comprehensive look at the topic early on. It may not be the most exciting approach, but I found it very interesting. It made me think more deeply upon my own use of language, the preconceived notions I carry into any encounter, and the types of media I consume. It also allowed me to feel some level of validation regarding the times that someone else’s unconscious bias has harmed me.

This is a topic I’ve been extremely interested in exploring more actively over the last several months, and this was a good place to start.

[Amber]

Although this is a basic approach to the topic, it is still an important read. I actually think this would be most useful for 11-16 year olds? (that's not a criticism at all, I just think it is a good introduction to bias)

[Helen]

I really enjoyed this book. Lots of information and some practical guides to reduce your bias.

I liked that there was no judgement in this book, it recognises that everyone has bias and offers actual solutions to be less biased, whatever your bias may be.

I read several reviews that this was more suited for children, as a lot of the ideas are simplified, but I actually think a person of any age could read this as an introduction to bias or if you would like to know more about it.

[Melanie]

This was a good book for people to start thinking about their Unconscious Bias. I think there are things in this book that we can all improve to be better humans.

How did this book find me? It was in the Audible+ catalog until September 16.

[Katharine Bull]

A/B

[Lisa]

This is a basic and accessible (perhaps non-threatening) entry into the concept. If it doesn't work for you or someone you know, you've only invested 144 pages or 3 hours of your time and you'll still learn something.

[Libby Chapman]

Empathy is the bias killer.

This book is a good starting point for examining one’s biases.

It did almost lose a star for the use of the phrase: “consciously uncoupling from our bias”. I decided to practice a little empathy and acceptance and keep the four star rating intact!

[Morgan Gariepy]

Too short to get into any depth.

[Jessica]

Useful and practical visualisation exercises for all people.

Thoughtful question lists to look back on and refer to when considering our own biases. Example situations to highlight these different types of bias.

Exercises to encourage reflections. This highlights external media input, family history, vocabulary, workplace policy/interaction and self bias.

Questions, re-enactments and suggestions which provoke emotion and work to build up useful techniques on acceptance of others, empathy, active listening, sourcing/referencing material.

[Rodrigo]

Books like this could always contain a disclaimer saying, “the world will never be perfect. Toughen up while you try to make things right.” Focusing on the world's wrong while people suffer sometimes can be too much. And without balance, the message gets lost.

The author mentions that we shall fight until there’s no more bias in the world. This is far from realistic. Bias is one of the collateral effects of being human. Dealing with it sounds more appropriate than imagining you can eliminate it.

[Homa]

This is a short and easy to follow book on the topic. It provides examples throughout the book which tests the understanding of the reader on the topic. I recommend the book as a compact reference on implicit bias, or as the book says on the unconscious bias.

[Lauren McCombe]

I would ideally rate 3.5. It is basic and brief, but it's also jam packed with useful activities to help unpick out biases. Not thought provoking in its ideas, but great practical approaches to support self improvement. Felt like it would translate well into an upper secondary or college module

[Nataliia]

This book is for those who do not have any understanding of what biases are or do not know that biases exist. It gives a surface level description of what it is and how it is shown with no indepth info or examples. It's also very repetitive.

[Christine Reid]

Good if your after very simple information and tactics.

[Jessica Jensen]

Clear, practical and actionable.

[Stephanie]

An excellent starting point with gentle language and concrete suggestions about how to improve.

[Steven Kolber]

Not great

[Deborah Palmer]

No comment as it might be biased.

[Pauline Hélin]

Good start to get to know the subject

[S]

Very basic stuff.

[Aimee]

An informative short read.

[Ellie]

Very basic. I feel like anybody who has chosen to read this probably won’t get much out of it that they haven’t already encountered. Could be useful as set reading.

[Abhay]

Average!

[Jessica Gascho]

Pretty basic info for the most part

[Emily]

An important topic but quite a dull read.

[Selena]

This book literally put me to sleep.

[Nada | ندى]

informative and by exposing unconscious bias, it can make the world a better place.

[Josh Christie]

I can’t say I found any part of this interesting or thought provoking.

[Renee Gall]

I got this from my school’s LBGTQ+ resource library and it was just so eye-opening

[Ed]

Absolutely fine