Understanding Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination in Psychology

Introduction

Purpose: Clarify the differences between the terms stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in psychology.
Importance: These terms are often used interchangeably in common language but have distinct meanings in psychology.

Affect (A)
- Relates to feelings and emotions.
- In context: Often associated with prejudice.
- Prejudice: Attitudes or overall positive/negative association with a social group.
  - Example: Anti-Semitism as a negative prejudice or a positive prejudice such as liking Canadians.
Behavior (B)
- Concerns actions and choices.
- In context: Associated with discrimination.
- Discrimination: Actions taken based on treatment of individuals due to their social group.
  - Example: Tipping behavior differing by the waiter's race.
Cognition (C)
- Involves thinking and mental processes.
- In context: Linked to stereotypes.
- Stereotypes: Beliefs and expectations about a group.
  - Example: Assuming Canadians are happy people.

Prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination can be related but are distinct.
Someone can hold stereotypes without having prejudice.
Prejudice and stereotypes do not always lead to discrimination.
Understanding these dynamics helps differentiate and better analyze social interactions.

Stereotype: "Librarians are old"; a belief without judgment.
Stereotype: "Teenagers don’t work hard"; an expectation about a group.
Prejudice: "I hate gamers"; a negative judgment without specific beliefs about the group.
Prejudice: "I love southerners"; a positive judgment without specific beliefs about the group.

Importance of distinguishing between stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination to ask more sophisticated questions and analyze social psychology more effectively.

For further learning, subscribe to the YouTube channel or check out the Opinions Science Podcast at opinionsciencepodcast.com