LG 8: Stereotypes and Prejudice Flashcards
Define the terms stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination
Stereotypes:
- Belief or associations that link certain characteristics to a group as a whole
- Can be both positive and negative
- Has a cognitive function.
Predjudice
- Negative feelings about other because of their connection to a certain group.
- Is only negative
- Has a affective
Discrimination
- Negative behaviors directed against others because of their connection to a certain group.
- Only negative
- Is linked to behavior
What is modern racism and distinguish it from old-fashioned racism?
Racism can be defined as a combination of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination in relation to racial groups.
Old fashion racism was more obvious, explicit and unmistakable. Was quite normal up until World War 2 and can be defined as an open racism.
Modern racism on the other hand has evolved after WW2 and is a more hidden or decreased open racism. It’s a form of prejudice that surfaces in subtle ways when it is safe, socially acceptable, and easy to rationalize.
Explanation: present latent negative feeling, discomfort regarding other racial groups.
Social norms also play an important part.
- In unacceptable situations these thoughts/ attitudes get suppressed.
- In acceptable situations they get expressed.
What is the central idea of the stereotype content model (Fiske et al., 2002)?
The central idea of the stereotype content model is that many stereotypes possesses two (exclusive) dimentions. These dimensions determine how groups are perceived and subsequently treated within society.
warmt:
- This dimension reflects how friendly, trustworthy, and well-intentioned a group is perceived to be. Groups are often judged as high in warmth if they are not seen as competitors or threats.
Competence:
This dimension reflects how capable, skilled, or effective a group is thought to be. Groups perceived as high in status are often attributed high competence.
See illustration in document
Why is social categorization so central to all aspects related to stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination?
Social categorization is central to all aspects because it’s a classification of individuals into groups on the basis of common attributes.
The categorization can change depending on the context. ex. Racial categorizations are sometimes a consequence of the historical context.
Simplifying the world with generalization.
Negative evaluations often supported by negative stereotypes.
What is stereotype threat and describe an experiment (real or made-up) that could test for the stereotype threat effect.
Stereotype threat refers to the anxiety or concern about being evaluated based on negative stereotypes about one’s group. The possible outcome is that performance in this group decreases and might trigger physiological arousal, stress, loss of focus, distraction of thought etc.
And example study to do a math test between boys and girls, and in frnt of the test you tell the girls that this test measures the gender differences In the result and that girls has a history to underperform compared to the girls.
List some factors/theories/effects that contribute to the maintenance of stereotypes.
Factors that might contribute to the maintenance of stereotypes:
Conformation bias(es)
- Seeking information that confirms rather than rejects a hypothesis.
Self-fulfilling prophecies
- (stereotypical) expectations subtly influence person A’s behavior
- This is reflected by person B’s responses; possibly confirming persons As expectations.
Attributions
Subtyping
Illusory correlations
What is the so-called shooter paradigm (Payne, 2001) and how is it related to the implicit association test?
The shooter paradigm (Payne, 2001) is an experimental task where participants must quickly decide whether to “shoot” individuals in images who may be holding a gun or a harmless object. It tests if racial biases affect split-second decisions, often showing that participants are more likely to mistakenly “shoot” unarmed Black individuals than unarmed White individuals.
This paradigm relates to the Implicit Association Test (IAT) because both measure implicit biases—automatic associations that can affect perceptions and behaviors outside conscious awareness. Studies often find that higher racial bias on the Race IAT correlates with more biased decisions in the shooter task, linking implicit attitudes to real-world behavior.
What are the central claims of Devine’s (1989) studies of stereotypes?
The central claims of Devines (1889) studies of stereotypes is:
- Everyone knows cultural stereotypes
- Stereotypes affect everyone (if their activation is not noticed)
- Given time and motivation, behavior does not have to be affected by stereotypes.
“Devine argues that only deliberate and concious acts intended to break the habit of prejudice will stop stereotype-related discrimination”.
What are the central claims of the social role theory (Eagly, 1987)?
Social role theory (Eagly, 1987) argues that gender differences in behavior stem from societal roles rather than inherent traits.
It states:
1. biological and social factors is caused by labour division.
2. Labor division make one group physically, socially and economically more powerful.
3. The perception of the dominance attributed as a core attribute of the group.
According to Allport’s contact theory, what factors need to be present for intergroup contact to lead to less prejudice?
Allports contract theory states that prejudice reduction can happen by
- Enhanching knowledge about the outgroup
- Reducing anxiety about intergroup contact
- Increasing empathy and perspective taking.
Especially 4 conditions stands out as important for treatment of racism:
1. Equal status: Both groups need to interact on an equal footing.
2. Personal interaction: Contact should allow for meaningful, one-on-one interactions.
3. Cooperative activities: Cooperation is essential for achieving common goals.
4. Social norms: the social norms should favor intergroup contact.
