Concealing non-dominant group membership not readily apparent to observers is called what?

• A. Label hiding
• B. Camouflage
• C. Secreting identity
• D. Passing

Answer: (D)

This is about passing—the act of presenting oneself as a member of the dominant group when one’s true group membership is non-dominant and not obvious to others. It’s a form of impression management where someone conceals cues that might reveal their marginalized identity in order to avoid prejudice or discrimination and to gain greater social acceptance or access to resources. For example, someone who belongs to a stigmatized minority might behave or present in a way that makes others see them as part of the majority.

The other terms don’t capture this social process as accurately. Label hiding isn’t a standard term used to describe this phenomenon, and camouflage is more about blending into physical surroundings or evading detection in a non-social context. Secreting identity isn’t a recognized term in this context. Therefore, passing is the best description of concealing non-dominant group membership to appear as part of the dominant group.