A Scoping Review of Empirical Research on Performative Allyship

Performative allyship refers to actions that are allegedly aimed at disrupting injustice for marginalized groups but that have little impact and/or serve to benefit socially privileged individuals or groups. Performative allyship has the potential to harm individuals from marginalized groups and undercut movements for peace and social justice; thus, empirical scrutiny of this construct is critical for removing barriers to social change. To our knowledge, however, research in this area has yet to be systematically examined or synthesized. This scoping review aimed to identify and summarize empirical research on performative allyship. Through a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed scholarship, we identified 16 studies of performative allyship, most of which addressed allyship to People of Color. We summarize findings of these studies across three major areas: (a) nature and manifestation of performative allyship; (b) sincerity and motivations; and (c) consequences of performative allyship. Finally, we describe implications for future research.