{"id":26745,"date":"2023-12-31T09:53:35","date_gmt":"2023-12-31T08:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humanrightscareers.com\/?p=26745"},"modified":"2024-08-28T06:22:57","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T04:22:57","slug":"prejudice-101-definition-facts-examples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humanrightscareers.com\/issues\/prejudice-101-definition-facts-examples\/","title":{"rendered":"Prejudice 101: Definition, Facts, Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prejudice fuels the unfair and unequal treatment of people around the world, and while we may hope we don\u2019t hold prejudiced views, it\u2019s common to see others differently based on their ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion and so on. Acknowledging this fact – and working to reduce prejudice – is the best way forward. In this article, we\u2019ll explore what prejudice is, how it works and what it looks like.<\/p>\n

Prejudice refers to negative feelings, attitudes and beliefs toward individuals and groups based on preconceived notions about ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, age, religion and much more.<\/p>\n

What is prejudice?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The word \u201cprejudice\u201d has origins in Latin for \u201cbefore\u201d and \u201cjudgment.\u201d It describes unfavorable feelings toward individuals or groups based on preconceived notions of their ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, age, disability, religion and other characteristics. While every individual is distinct, prejudice lumps all members of a group or classification together.<\/p>\n

There are a few theories<\/a> about why prejudice exists and how it works: social identity theory, realistic conflict theory, scapegoating theory, authoritarian personality theory and culture theory.<\/p>\n

Social identity theory<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to social identity theory, people always organize themselves into groups they belong to and groups they don\u2019t belong to. This categorization boosts a person’s self-esteem. Finding community with a group is not wrong, but many people end up looking down on those they deem outside their groups. They may exhibit prejudice.<\/p>\n

Realistic conflict theory<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This theory focuses on limited resources and what happens when people compete for them. When resources are few and far between, people engage in more conflict<\/a>. This increases negative feelings and attitudes between competing groups. The theory applies even when a lack of resources is conceptual. As an example, while social status and political power are intangible, people tend to believe there\u2019s only so much to go around.<\/p>\n

Scapegoating theory<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When individuals or communities experience challenges, they may direct blame to an innocent party. This is known as \u201cscapegoating.\u201d As an example, when it comes to unemployment, immigrants are often scapegoated in the United States. \u201cThey\u2019re taking our jobs!\u201d is a common phrase linked to prejudice. Scapegoats tend to be already marginalized and stereotyped groups.<\/p>\n

Authoritarian personality theory <\/strong><\/h3>\n

This theory wonders if certain people are predisposed to authoritarianism. They tend to be more trusting and respectful of authority figures, and more likely to not question that authority. They exhibit strict, inflexible views of the world and strongly dislike uncertainty or nuance. Because this personality type is so black-and-white, they could be more susceptible to prejudice, as well, since prejudicial views are also clear-cut. They\u2019re also more vulnerable to prejudicial propaganda created by authority figures.<\/p>\n

Culture theory\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\n

The culture theory of prejudice theorizes that prejudice is deeply rooted in society. It passes from generation to generation, sustaining itself through stereotypes, institutional discrimination<\/a> and community beliefs. If someone is surrounded by friends and family who exhibit prejudicial views, they\u2019re more likely to develop and express similar views. What\u2019s considered \u201cnormal\u201d or \u201cacceptable\u201d varies from group to group, but the desire to belong encourages people to believe or behave in similar ways.<\/p>\n

Many people are unaware of the prejudiced views they hold. Here are <\/em>ten examples of unconscious bias<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n

What five facts should everyone know about prejudice?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Prejudice is complicated because people are complicated, but there are certain facts that can help you understand how these feelings work.<\/p>\n

#1. Prejudice may serve a biological purpose<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s lots of research about how prejudices like racism and sexism are taught, and while that\u2019s true, the mechanisms of prejudice may be hard-wired in the human brain. As a blog on The Conversation explains, prejudice may have evolved because, in the past, it helped us avoid danger<\/a>. How? At its core, prejudice is about quickly associating something – like a visual cue or a sound – with a certain meaning. As an example, our ancestors had to deal with predators on a regular basis, so certain cues always signaled danger. If we were met with something unfamiliar, it was safer to assume the new thing was dangerous. Unfortunately, our brain doesn\u2019t always make correct judgments, which leads to prejudices related to ethnicity, gender, and other characteristics.<\/p>\n

#2. You can unlearn prejudice <\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the tendency to be prejudiced may be the result of evolution, it doesn\u2019t mean we\u2019re all doomed to think prejudiced thoughts forever. The first step is being aware of our biases and prejudices. Next, research shows prejudices can be reduced when people from different groups interact with each other<\/a>. Contact reveals the inaccuracy of certain beliefs, while relationships motivate people to more closely examine and eliminate their prejudices. Prejudice can also be reduced when caught early in childhood. While kids are not born with prejudices, they quickly learn based on the views of their parents and close family members, the media and other environmental influences. Teaching kids about tolerance, acceptance and diversity can help reduce prejudices<\/a> before they become deeply rooted.<\/p>\n

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Are you aware of any prejudices you hold against certain individuals and groups?<\/strong><\/p>