Perceptions and experiences of (people with) unconventional identities

Psychology has long focused on social identities and their critical role in defining the self. However, the majority of identity-related findings stems from research on traditional identities (monoracial, cisgender, heterosexual). Considering the relative dearth of research from the full range of identities encompassed in society (e.g., multiracial, transgender, bisexual), this special issue (a) highlights the experiences and perceptions of people with nontraditional identities; (b) argues for research to represent modern-day demographics; and (c) discusses publication challenges. By comparing special issue submissions to membership data from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, we highlight which identities are over- and underrepresented, consider groups for which it may have been historically more difficult to publish, and offer some speculation as to why.

Duke Scholars

Author Sarah Elizabeth Gaither Psychology & Neuroscience