Microaggressions

Recognising and Counteracting Microaggressions

This resource is intended to help students  

  • Understand what microaggressions are,  

  • Understand how they effect people,  

  • Consider ways to counteract microaggressions,   

  • Contribute to a more inclusive environment for all students.  

The microaggressions resources were co-produced with students representing the four different groups: race, sexuality, trans and/or non-binary and socio-economic disadvantage, with input from colleagues in IAD and the Staff Pride Network.  Most students were also members of one of the following student networks: PrideSoc, Tackling Elitism and BlackEd.  We are grateful to our students for providing their time and sharing their experiences.  

"Everyday verbal, non-verbal and environmental slights, snubs or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership” (Sue et al 2019).

The effect of this is corrosive and creates an ongoing feeling of being regarded as a second-class citizen, inferior or even dangerous.

Microaggressions are the most common way racist and other forms of discrimination are expressed on a daily basis, both online and face to face, so tackling them is very important.

 This resource is intended to help you to understand more about microaggressions in a racial context.

People from the LGBT+ community regularly experience deliberate or unintended microaggressions and microinsults. These may be perceived as small daily occurrences, but their impact is significant; recognising and countering these is important.

 Sometimes widening participation students are inadvertently or deliberately shamed by more privileged students. 

This resource provides a starting point. You can find more useful links below and in the relevant sections within these pages.