How Discrimination Narratives Resolve Ambiguity: The Case of Islamophobia in Quebec

Abstract

Discrimination frequently appears in ambiguous rather than overt forms. How do individuals manage the challenges associated with ambiguous discrimination, such as classifying incidents of negative but ambiguous treatment? Building on studies of microaggressions and perceived discrimination, this article develops an explanation rooted in a novel theory of discrimination narratives. Discrimination narratives express collective beliefs about discrimination’s patterns and features, which enable individuals to resolve ambiguity in their personal experiences and expectations. Based on a study of perceived Islamophobia in the Canadian province of Quebec, the article describes one common discrimination narrative and uncovers how Muslim Quebecers use it to 1) classify negative but ambiguous treatment by imputing missing information; (2) direct their attention to social situations they perceive to be high-risk; and (3) adjust to anticipated patterns in discrimination. Implications for research on ambiguity, microaggressions, perceived discrimination, and narratives are discussed.