This study explores the relationship between critical consciousness and meritocratic beliefs and their impact on multicultural sensitivity and the ability to recognize microaggressions. It highlights the growing demand for inclusion and equal rights, juxtaposed with discriminatory systems rooted in racist ideals that continue to harm marginalized groups.

Critical consciousness is seen as a tool to challenge these harmful beliefs, encouraging individuals to reflect on their identity and social standing. The study aims to understand how this influences the ability to identify microaggressions and stresses the importance of critical consciousness in training social intervention professionals to better engage with minorities and marginalized groups.

The study involved 64 participants, primarily female (76.6%), with ages ranging from 19 to 56 (average age = 29.5). Various assessment tools were used, including the Contemporary Critical Consciousness Measure (CCCM), Short Critical Consciousness Scale (ShoCC), Perceptions Meritocracy Exists Scale (PME), Perceived Inequality Inventory (IDP-R), and assessments for detecting microaggressions and measuring multicultural sensitivity.

Results revealed a significant link between higher levels of critical awareness regarding social inequalities, reduced belief in meritocracy, and increased multicultural sensitivity and microaggression detection abilities. These findings underscore the importance of fostering critical thinking and awareness of social class disparities in different intervention contexts. They call for a reconfiguration of professional education and training in these fields, emphasizing innovative approaches when interacting with minority and marginalized groups.

In summary, the study identifies the relationship between critical consciousness, meritocratic beliefs, and their impact on recognizing microaggressions and multicultural sensitivity. It emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and critically aware approach in training social intervention professionals to engage effectively with marginalized communities.