Internalized dominance
Take a moment and reflect from your experience. Based on the social groups you belong to, what are some privileges that you take for granted?
Author and researcher Sensoy and D’Angelo (2017) explored the concept of internalized dominance. This refers to the process of unconsciously absorbing and acting upon the pervasive cultural messages that suggest one’s own group is superior to a minoritized group, thereby justifying a higher societal position. This internalized sense of superiority can manifest in various ways within the context of post-secondary education:
- Overconfidence in abilities: A student might enroll in an advanced course for which they lack prerequisites, believing they can grasp the content despite a lack of foundational knowledge. Similarly, a faculty member might apply for a leadership role within the institution with little administrative experience yet believes that they can learn on the job.
- Misconception of equality: There may be a belief that all students have equal access to resources and opportunities, disregarding systemic biases and inequalities that may exist within the educational system.
- Assumption of rational superiority: A student or faculty member might feel entitled to voice their opinion in academic discussions, under the assumption that their logic is superior to others’ emotional responses.
These examples illustrate how internalized dominance can subtly influence behaviors and attitudes within the higher education environment, often without the individual being consciously aware of it.
