prejudice and discrimination

Question 1

stereotype

Answer 1

A stereotype is a collection of beliefs that we have about the people who belong to a certain group, regardless of individual differences among member of that group.

Question 2

how can stereotypes he helpful?

Answer 2

-Stereotypes alow us to understand the world around us.
we meet too many people, so we use stereotypes to help us determine how we should behave around them.
-Stereotypes make our decision making quicker.

Question 3

how can stereotypes be harmful?

Answer 3

-Stereotypes tend to be overgeneralisations.
- They are generally based around incorrect or inadequate information.
-People are unlikely to have al the characteristics that stereotypes assume and individual differences are generally ignored.

Question 4

define prejudice

Answer 4

a negative attitude towards another person or social group. generally the majority negative attitude towards the minority.

Question 5

characteristics of prejudice

Answer 5

1. People believe they are superior to the minority group to whom the prejudice is directed;
2. The majority group tend to believe the minority group is different from them and that they do not belong;
3. The majority group tend to believe that they are more powerful and important than the minority group;
4. A majority group that displays prejudiced attitudes is insecure, fearing the minority group may become more powerful and important than itself.

Question 6

old fashion prejudice

Answer 6

members of the majority will form strong prejudice and openly reject the minority.

Question 7

modern prejudice

Answer 7

subtle, hidden, expressed in way that is more acceptable within majority group.

Question 8

define discrimination

Answer 8

the positive or negative behaviors that are directed towards social groups and their members.

Question 9

discrimination types

Answer 9

Sexism = an attitude that is a mixture of negative thoughts, stereotypes, feelings of fear, envy or hostility and actions of discrimination, based on gender.
*Ageism = an attitude that is a mixture of negative thoughts, stereotypes, feelings of fear, envy or hostility and actions of discrimination, based on age.
*Racism = an attitude that is a mixture of negative thoughts, stereotypes, feelings of fear, envy or hostility and actions of discrimination, based on race.

Question 10

direct discrimination

Answer 10

someone is treated differently because of a personal characteristic protected by the law.

Question 11

indirect discrimination

Answer 11

treating everybody the same way, disadvantages someone because of their personal characteristics.

Question 12

Ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination.

Answer 12

legislation and education through the media

Question 13

intergroup contact

Answer 13

increasing direct contact between two groups who are prejudice against each other.

Question 14

intergroup contact more likely if:

Answer 14

-close and ongoing contact between two groups (extended contact)
- two groups rely on each other for reason (superordinate goals)
-each group has equal status in contact situation (equality of status)

Question 15

cognitive interventions

Answer 15

Involves changing how someone thinks about prejudice.
Encouraged to understand others based on their individual characteristics rather than generalising some of their characteristics to stereotype them, then prejudice may be lessened