Posted: September 16th, 2017

Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Stereotypes are beliefs about the typical characteristics of members of a group. Prejudice is the evaluation of a group or of an individual based on membership in a group. Prejudice commonly is based on race or ethnicity, but also may be based on socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, weight or physical appearance, sexual orientation, age, disability, and/or other such characteristics. Discrimination is the behavioral component of prejudice, typically demonstrated by negative behavior toward a person based on prejudicial attitudes. Together, these three concepts in social psychology result in highly destructive beliefs, behaviors, and interactions about, toward, and with others. If prejudice and resulting forms of discrimination are to be reduced in society, it is essential to understand where prejudice comes from, how it is sustained, and how it can be reduced.

To prepare for this Assignment:

• Review Chapter 6 in the course text, Social Psychology, focusing on how people learn prejudice, on common motives for prejudice, and on the various theories of prejudice.

• Watch the “Prejudice” video from the Contemporary Videos in Social Psychology DVD. Focus on how prejudice is defined and proposed reasons or motives for the prejudicial attitudes. What would you do if you were in a similar situation in the taxi? What are your own prejudices?

• Review the article, “Right Before Our Eyes: The Failure to Recognize Non-Prototypical Forms of Prejudice.” Focus on what is meant by non-prototypical forms of prejudice and how prejudicial attitudes may be reduced.

• Select a current (20th or 21st century) example of prejudice. This example may be from this or another country. For your example, think about the stereotype that leads to the prejudice and the resulting negative behaviors (discrimination). In other words, how does the focus of your example impact individuals and society?

• Think about how you would apply elements of the theories in your readings to your example to explain the sources, motives, components, or reduction of the prejudice.

With these thoughts in mind: assignment, APA style format, No plagiarism

Write a 1 page explanation of one current (20th or 21st century) example of prejudice and identify associated stereotypes and discriminatory behaviors. Explain the impact of this prejudice on individuals and society. Use specific examples. Then, apply elements of theory from your readings to explain the sources of, motives for, components of, and/or means of reducing prejudice. 

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references  from  the Learning Resources.

Resources to use:
•    Readings
Course Text: Social Psychology 
Chapter 6, “Prejudice” (pp. 168–2 03)
Chapter 13, “Aggression” (pp. 404–439)
Chapter 11, “Gender” (pp. 356–360 only)

Article: Marti, M., Bobier, D., & Baron, R. (2000). Right before our eyes: The failure to recognize non-prototypical forms of prejudice. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 3(4), 403–418. Retrieved from http://auth.waldenulibrary.org/ezpws.exe?url=http://gpi.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/3/4/403
Article: Edens, J., & Douglas, K. S. (2006). Assessment of interpersonal aggression and violence: Introduction to the special issue. Assessment, 13(3), 221–226. Retrieved from http://auth.waldenulibrary.org/ezpws.exe?url=http://asm.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/13/3/221
Media
Contemporary Videos in Social Psychology DVD
“Prejudice”