Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) researchers just published a paper demonstrating the bias faced by aspiring female and minority commercial pilots and showed consumers—and even other pilots—respond more favorably to white male pilots over female and minority pilots. It represents a scientific look at consumers’ perceptions of pilot quality based on their gender or race and could provide strong guidance to the aviation industry, especially as companies consider potential new employees. The research was published in Technology in Society. The experiment involved showing photographs of female and male pilots of various races to participants, then asking them to rate how well they thought the pilots would perform. Respondents gave higher ratings to white male pilots.
ERAU Researchers Examine Gender, Racial Bias in Aviation
Key Takeaways:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University research found that consumers and even other pilots implicitly favor white male pilots, rating them more favorably than female and minority pilots.
- The study scientifically demonstrates the existence of unconscious biases against women and minorities in aviation regarding perceived pilot quality and performance.
- The findings provide strong guidance for the aviation industry to acknowledge and address these biases to ensure fair hiring processes and better support women and minorities in the field.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
