It just happens: Colorblind ideology and undergraduate explanations of racial interaction on campus

Abstract

This article examines student perceptions of racial segregation on campus in terms of interaction across racial groups. Theories of colorblind racial ideology are used to interpret data from 14 group interviews focusing on 1.) the degree to which cross-group interaction is desired, 2.) perceptions of racial separation among students at a predominantly White elite university, and 3.) the rationale for lack of contact. In part because we are not limited to one race or to comparing only Black and White students and because we highlight student’s stories and explanations, our findings provide better explanations of how students perceive and experience lack of racial interaction. We discuss implications including continued and possibly increased racial hostility towards underrepresented groups, social isolation of groups with less representation, effects on academic success, and the perpetuation of racial/ethnic stereotypes.