What Is Prejudice?
Prejudice is often subconscious and can affect people’s behavior without them realizing it.
Keep reading to learn more about prejudice and how to reduce prejudice.
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Prejudice vs.
Discrimination
Sometimes, prejudice is confused withdiscrimination.
Types of Prejudice
There are many types of prejudice.
There are a few potential causes to consider.
PsychologistGordon Allportbelieved sorting information into mental categories is important for making sense of the world around us.
“Once formed, categories are the basis for normal prejudgment.
We cannot possibly avoid this process.
Orderly living depends upon it.”
Therefore, they were not to rely on the person’s sex to determine the height.
Historical Events
Sometimes prejudice develops in response to historical events.
This is known as Islamaphobia and still impacts Muslim Americans today.
Another 2018 study found similar results but with friends rather than family.
Impact of Prejudice
Prejudice exists almost everywhere and can affect people and societies in different ways.
Indirect impacts include prejudice-related stress and altered health behaviors.
Increased Discrimination
Stereotypes not only lead to misguided beliefs but can also cause discrimination.
In some cases, discrimination may result in violence.
Harassment is a form of discrimination often occurring in the workplace.
Prejudice and discrimination can also lead to segregation, whether it be personal or institutional.
Training people to have moreempathyfor members of other groups is one method that has shown considerable success.
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Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
University of Minnesota.Principles of social psychology: Social categorization and stereotyping.
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American Psychological Association.Outgroup homogeneity bias.
Mineo L.Muslim Americans who endured post-9/11 bias see solutions in education, political involvement.The Harvard Gazette.
2017;8:1167. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01167
Blazina C.Fast facts on views of workplace harassment amid allegations against New York Gov.
Bulatao RA, Anderson NB.Understanding racial and ethnic differences in health in late life: A research agenda.
National Research Council (US) Panel on Race, Ethnicity, and Health Later in Life.
2018;54(4):703-717. doi:10.1037/dev0000474
