Breaking free of stereotype threat with Claude Steele

Claude Steele, a pioneering social psychologist and emeritus professor at Stanford, delves into the impact of stereotype threat on performance. He explains how mere awareness of stereotypes can lead to anxiety and cognitive interference, particularly among marginalized groups. The conversation shifts to self-affirmation as a powerful tool to combat these effects, fostering resilience and growth. They discuss the flaws of high-stakes testing and suggest low-stakes alternatives. Claude emphasizes the importance of acceptance and belonging in mitigating stereotype threats, especially for professional women.