A Model Dependent Scoping Review of Research on Sexism and Racism in Major Behavior Analytic Journals

Abstract

Behavior analysts are becoming increasingly aware of and involved in the study of issues related to sex, gender, and racial prejudice and discrimination. In the current article, we conceptualized sexism and gender bias informed by the framework of the nested sociobehavioral model of racism developed by Belisle et al. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15(4), 1134–1150 (2022), including implicit bias, selective gender norms, and systemic oppression, while integrating feminist and queer theories. We then conducted a model-dependent scoping review of research in major behavior analytic journals from 2000 to 2022 related to racism and sexism categorized using the nested models and the theory-to-impact framework developed by Dixon et al. Perspectives on Behavior Science, 41(1), 241–267 (2018). Of the 10 journals included for the scoping review, nine contained research related to racism or sexism and an overall increasing trend appears to be occurring in the field. Inconsistencies were evident between conceptual work that emphasized systemic oppression versus experimental work that emphasizes implicit bias and relational framing. Only three studies met the criteria for “applied” or “implementation” research, suggesting that significantly more research is needed to inform the development and dissemination of applied technologies. We conclude with a discussion of the current state of this research in multiple areas and recommendations for future research.