What is unconscious bias?

Our brains naturally sort people into groups based on things we know or assume about them, such as age, gender, skin colour, income, ability, or education. This happens automatically and without us realizing it. This is called unconscious bias.

Unconscious bias isn’t something we choose, but it can still affect our actions. If we don’t take the time to notice and challenge these biases, they can lead to unfair treatment of others and get in the way of building a more inclusive environment.

One important first step is learning about the different types of unconscious bias. This can help you recognize and reduce them in your daily life. Check out the quick summary below to get started:

• Review and share our infographic (PDF / JPG)

If you’re interested in learning more, consider taking the Gender Equity LENS, which, in addition to defining foundational concepts, provides a practical model for bringing a gender lens to the work you do in sport – in whatever role you play!