Chapter 5: Perceiving groups Flashcards
discrimination
positive or negative behavior directed toward a social group and its members
prejudice
positive or negative evaluations of a social group and its members
stereotype
impressions that people form of groups by associating groups with particular characteristics
social group
2 or more people who share a common characteristic that is socially meaningful for themselves or for others
social categorization
perceiving people as members of a social group rather than unique individuals
Why do we engage in social categorization?
- it enables us to master our environment and function effectively in society
- to feel connected to others
problems with positive stereotypes:
- it ignores peoples individuality
- They set unreasonably high standards
- paternalistic patterns reinforce a groups weakness and dependence
How every stereotype is inaccurate:
When it is applied to everyone in the group
How do prejudice and stereotypes arise?
From social and cognitive processes such as wanting to understand and connect with others
Why are interactions with across groups tense?
- lack of knowledge and familiarity of members from other groups
- The members from different groups may have different goals in the interaction
illusory correlation
a perceived correlation between 2 characteristics that are not actually related
How may stereotypes not actually reflect what groups are actually like?
- a role produces personality characteristics
- stereotypes adapt rapidly as groups roles changes
social norms
generally accepted ways of thinking, feeling and behaving that people in a group agree on and endorse as proper
‘the world is just’ belief
people that believe that the world is just and therefore people get what they deserve.
(Leads people to blame victims for their misfortunes)
Does suppressing stereotypes work?
No, it may make its content more likely to influence our thoughts and feelings later
effective ways to overcome stereotypes:
- correction of stereotypes: acknowledging them and making an effort to not get influenced
- intentionally exposing oneself to counterstereotypical information
Why do we believe stereotypes are accurate?
- consistent information with expectations leads us to belief they were correct
- confidence flows from consensus (others think the same as us about the stereotype)
How do we elicit stereotypical behavior?
Through the self-fulfilling prophecy
the contact hypothesis
the theory that certain types of direct contact between members of hostile groups will reduce stereotyping and prejudice
How do we handle information inconsistent with our stereotypes?
- we make specific subtypes to our stereotype to put people in
- we just explain it away
- seeing people as remarkable or exceptional (contrast effect) they are not true group members
contrast effect
When stereotypes serve as a background to individuals from that group the individual seems more different
conservatism in stereotypes:
- in each individual believing means seeing
- stereotypes perpetuate themselves and resist change in society as well
The 2 factors that influence/create stereotypes:
- cognitive processes
- learning (socialization, media and conditioning)
Which factors increase the usage of stereotypes?
- time pressure
- ambiguity (complex information)
- strong emotions
