12.5 Prejudice and Discrimination

Learning Objectives

• Define and distinguish among prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination.
• Provide examples of prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination.
• Explain why prejudice and discrimination exist.

Introduction

• Human conflict results in crime, war, and genocide.
• Prejudice and discrimination are root causes of human conflict.
• Prejudice and discrimination affect everyone.
• This section examines definitions, examples, and causes.

Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination

• Prejudice: Negative attitude based on group membership; influenced by group differences.
  • Example: Negative attitude towards foreigners.
• Stereotype: Overgeneralized belief about a group regardless of individual characteristics.
  • Example: Older adults perceived as slow and incompetent.
  • Example: Beliefs about racial differences among athletes.
• Discrimination: Negative action based on group membership.
  • Example: Gender discrimination against Mary Whiton Calkins.

Connecting Concepts

• Stereotype (Cognitive): Overgeneralized beliefs.
• Prejudice (Affective): Feelings influencing treatment.
• Discrimination (Behavior): Biased treatment influenced by stereotypes and prejudice.

Racism

• Prejudice and discrimination based on racial group membership.
• Examples:
  • Traffic stops and searches for Black individuals.
  • Latino shoppers asked for IDs more often.
  • East Haven police officers' harassment of Latinos.
• Dual attitudes model: Explicit (conscious) vs. Implicit (unconscious) attitudes.

Sexism

• Prejudice and discrimination based on sex.
• Typically men against women, but can occur in any direction.
• Examples:
  • Gender role expectations.
  • "Double bind": Women criticized for self-promotion.
  • Challenges in male-dominated professions.

Ageism

• Prejudice and discrimination based on age.
• Common stereotypes: Older adults as incompetent or slow; younger adults as irresponsible.
• Differences in cultural respect for older adults.

Homophobia and Transphobia

• Prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Discrimination includes exclusion and employment bias.

Why Prejudice and Discrimination Exist

• Social learning and conformity to social norms.
• Influence from media, family, and peers.
• Self-fulfilling prophecy: Expectations influence behavior to fulfill stereotypes.

In-Groups and Out-Groups

• In-Group: Group we identify with.

• Out-Group: Group we view as different.

• In-group bias leads to prejudice and discrimination against out-groups.

• Scapegoating: Blaming out-groups for in-group frustrations.

• Ways to Promote Reconciliation

  • Expression of empathy.
  • Acknowledgment of past suffering.
  • Cessation of destructive behaviors.

• Function of Prejudice: Maintains positive self-concept by protecting in-groups.