Lecture Notes: Prejudice and Discrimination

Introduction

• Prejudice and Discrimination: Typically discussed in the context of racial and ethnic groups.
• Racial Groups: Defined by physical characteristics with social significance, e.g., skin color.
• Ethnic Groups: Defined by national origin or cultural patterns, e.g., Puerto Ricans, Irish, Japanese Americans, and Jews.

Key Concepts

Racial and Ethnic Prejudice

• Physical Characteristics: Society assigns more meaning to some traits, like skin color, than others, such as eye color.
• Genetic Basis: Both eye and skin color are genetically determined, yet social significance differs.
• Cultural Patterns: Ethnic groups can have distinct traditions and practices.

Other Bases for Prejudice

• Power: Economic and political influence, ability to control one's life.
  • Majority groups can influence politics to protect their interests.
  • Minority groups often lack the numbers to influence elections.
• Social Class: Status is relative, requiring lower-status groups.
  • Unequal status fosters prejudice.
  • Just World Phenomenon: Belief that world is just, good things happen to good people, bad things to bad people. Used to justify social positions.
• Prestige: Often linked to occupation.
  • High prestige jobs (e.g., doctors, lawyers) usually held by dominant group members.
  • Lower prestige jobs (e.g., sanitation workers) often given to minority groups.

Implications of Prejudice

• Economic Disparities: Unfair hiring practices lead to low-wage jobs for minorities.
• Social Inequality: Limits control over life circumstances, reinforces discrimination.
• Systemic Discrimination: Laws and policies limiting living, educational opportunities for minority groups.

Conclusion

Prejudice and discrimination are complex issues influenced by race, ethnicity, power, social class, and prestige. These factors contribute to systemic inequalities and reinforce social hierarchies.