Factors Affecting Prejudice, (SP)

Question 1

what are the three factors affecting prejudice?

Answer 1

Situational, cultural, and personality

Question 2

Situational: social norms. Define

Answer 2

unwritten rules about what is socially acceptable and desirable within specific social groups.

If you do not adhere to the rules of the group this may lead to rejection, whereas following the norms increases self-esteem.

Creating a group identity means you internalise a groups frame of reference and are likely to be prejudiced against those who do not fit in. (social identity theory)

Question 3

Evaluate a strength of social norms

Answer 3

I - A strength of social norms as a factor affecting prejudice is supportive evidence by Akrami (2009).
J - The study manipulated social norms through showing participants different statements (e.g. discrimination against women is no longer an issue in Sweden, or the bleak future of Sweden’s economy). Results showed that prejudice levels were significantly different from the control groups, both in increasing prejudice condition and reducing prejudice condition.
E - This suggests that what people believe is deemed socially normal can impact their views and prejudiced beliefs.

Question 4

Situational: competition for resources. Define

Answer 4

Realistic conflict theory highlighted competition as important in escalating prejudice. Prejudice can increase if the situation is one where there is direct competition for limited commodities such as jobs and money. This is further heightened if it is seen as zero sum.

Question 5

Evaluate strength of competition of resources (realistic conflict theory)

Answer 5

I - Filindra and Pearson-Merkowitz (2013) carried out examination of data to see if when a dominant white majority perceives a threat there is more prejudice and discrimination.
J - They found that a perceived increase in presence of immigrants in the community correlated with an immigration policy with more restrict (measured by support for Arizona’s anti-immigration policy). Only the case in times of economic hardship and it was not the case at other times.
E - This is as realistic conflict would predict, prejudice increases when there is perceived competition for resources and heightened if seen as zero sum

Could also use sherif as supportive evidence

Question 6

Culture: norm of tolerance

Answer 6

Culture can influence prejudice as Baldwin (2017) stated all people believe that their culture is better than others (ethnocentrism). Where cultures are more tolerant, discrimination may exist in more covert ways (microaggressions, benevolent intolerance). Some cultures might have more open discrimination and even legal prejudices against certain groups – the Apartheid was legal in south Africa until 1994 meaning there were different laws for white and black people.

Question 7

Culture: norm of fairness

Answer 7

Cultures may also differ in prejudice due to being individualistic rather than collectivist. Collectivist cultures tend to be more focused on sharing and cooperation so this might reduce discrimination, whilst those who are more individualistic might be more likely to discriminate.

Question 8

Evaluate a strength of cultural factors

Answer 8

I - a strength of cultural factors affecting prejudice is the supportive evidence from Wetherell (1982)
J - Wetherell (1982) replicated Tajfel’s research in New Zealand. Her findings show that indigenous Polynesian children were significantly more generous in their points allocation than their Caucasian classmates. Polynesia has a much more collectivist rating on Hofstede’s individualism scale. This suggests that collectivist cultures are more focussed on sharing and cooperation, thus, reducing their level of discrimination.
E - This shows how a person’s cultural background can impact their level of prejudice towards other people.

Question 9

Personality: authoritarian personality. Evidence

Answer 9

• Adorno’s (1950) authoritarian personality can be used to explain obedience
• But it can also be used to explain prejudice. Children who have been subject to the fear and punishment of strict parents may have a need to express those frustrations on others on others. This is known as scapegoating
• He argued those others would be those who appear to be socially inferior
• They justify this as they consider those beneath them in the social hierarchy

Question 10

Personality: right wing authoritarianism (RWA). Define and explain

Answer 10

Focuses on 3 of the nine traits which make up authoritarian personality. Altemeyer (1988) believed RWA was a product of early social learning rather than strict parenting. This personality type develops as a reaction to fear and uncertainty, seeking security through preserving existing social order. Overly suspicious and hostile towards anyone who defies the norm or seems different.

Question 11

Evaluate a strength personality factors

Answer 11

I - A strength of personality factors affecting prejudice is the supportive evidence from Cohrs et al (2012)
J - Cohrs et al (2012) used questionnaires to measure RWA and prejudice attitudes towards homosexuality, foreigners and people with disabilities. They found a correlation between RWA and generalised prejudice. 93 people aged (8-67) from diverse social background
E - This suggests RWA and authoritarian personality may be useful predictors for how prejudices someone may be.

Question 12

Weakness of each of the factors

Answer 12

• Situation: social norms —-> Filindra and Pearson-Merkowitz (2013)
  *Situation: competition —-> Akrami (2009)
  *Culture —-> Sheif (1954/1961)
  *Personality —-> Sherif (1954/1961)

Question 13

Application to reducing prejudice

Answer 13

Could use education as a method to reduce right wing authoritarianism, by introducing other cultures (exchanges at school etc) and challenging existing beliefs (debate clubs at school etc)