Factors affecting prejudice

Question 1

What is the Authoritarian Personality?

Answer 1

• The Authoritarian Personality is a personality type where individuals show strong adherence to conventional values, authority, and exhibit hostility towards outgroups. It is often linked to prejudice as those with this personality type are more likely to hold negative attitudes towards minority groups.

Question 2

How does Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) influence prejudice?

Answer 2

• Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) refers to individuals who emphasize obedience to authority, conformity to social norms, and aggression towards outgroups. People with high RWA are more likely to have prejudiced views towards minorities, as they prioritize social order and traditional values.

Question 3

What is Social Dominance Orientation

Answer 3

• Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) is a personality trait where individuals favor hierarchical social structures, believing some groups are superior to others. People with high SDO tend to support inequality and hold prejudiced views toward outgroups, as they believe in the dominance of certain groups over others.

Question 4

How do situational factors like the Contact Hypothesis reduce prejudice?

Answer 4

• The Contact Hypothesis (Allport, 1954) suggests that positive contact between different groups can reduce prejudice. This is particularly true when groups have equal status, common goals, and cooperate. It emphasizes that intergroup cooperation in positive settings helps break down prejudices.

Question 5

How do individualism and collectivism affect prejudice?

Answer 5

• In individualistic cultures, there is a focus on personal achievement and independence, which can lead to more prejudice towards outgroups. In collectivist cultures, the focus on group harmony may reduce prejudice, but can still lead to ingroup favoritism where ingroup members are preferred over outgroup members.

Question 6

How does the media influence prejudice?

Answer 6

The media plays a significant role in shaping prejudice by reinforcing stereotypes through its portrayal of certain groups. Repeated exposure to these negative or skewed portrayals can lead to increased prejudice and biased attitudes toward outgroups.