Privileged Omissions: The Impact of Discriminatory Inaction

• Published date: 01 January 2024
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/00953997231204980
• Author: Addrain Conyers,Tony Carrizales
• Date: 01 January 2024
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/00953997231204980

Administration & Society

2024, Vol. 56(1) 3 –17

© The Author(s) 2023

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DOI: 10.1177/00953997231204980

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Article

Privileged Omissions:

The Impact of

Discriminatory Inaction

Addrain Conyers1 and Tony Carrizales1

Abstract

Scholars commonly study bias and discrimination from the perspective of

those discriminated against and, to some extent, the institutional practices that

foster discrimination. The research on institutional oppression often excludes a

concurrent area of discriminatory omissions. Research on privileged omissions

as a discretionary bias provides a more holistic view of discretionary decision-

making. The concept of discriminatory omissions has limited research, but

this paper adds to scholarship in this critical area by providing analysis and

calls upon public service practices to disrupt the unintended consequences of

privileged omissions.

Keywords

discrimination, omissions, diversity, public service, racial profiling, privilege

Introduction

In service-oriented fields, the implications of discretionary decisions that

have a discriminatory impact have been studied through those discriminated

against and, to some extent, the institutional practices that foster discrimina-

tion. Many times, in the research on racial profiling, redlining, or other forms

1Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

Corresponding Author:

Tony Carrizales, Marist College School of Management, 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY

12601, USA.

Email: tony.carrizales@marist.edu

1204980AAS0010.1177/00953997231204980Administration & SocietyConyers and Carrizales

research-article2023