Social approach KC3: In and out groups

Question 1

In group

Answer 1

We want to belong so we think of ourselves as a member of a category, the in groups (us)

Question 2

out group

Answer 2

Being part of one group means you are not part of another group, the outgroup (them)

Question 3

Social categorization

Answer 3

we place individuals into social groups (categories) based on their shared characteristics. eg, Age, gender, class, ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, occupation etc

Question 4

Stereotypes

Answer 4

A fixed view of the type of person we think someone is based on the social category/ group we have placed them in

Question 5

The effect of stereotyping

Answer 5

That a positive and negative effects of stereotyping, though more negative than positive

Question 6

Positive effects of stereotyping

Answer 6

They simplify our interactions in a complex world. We assume certain characteristics, and so this saves time and cognitive effort

Question 7

Negative effects of stereotyping

Answer 7

Can lead to prejudice and discrimination. eg, sexism and racism. We assume what people are like based on the stereotype, so our judgments are distorted and bias. Stereotypes are also self fulfilling - we end up behaving a certain way towards the person and then they respond to being treated in that way so fulfilling the expectations of the stereotype

Question 8

Prejudice and discrimination

Answer 8

prejudice is an unjustified or incorrect attitude (usually negative) towards an individual based solely on the individual’s membership of a social group. eg, person may hold prejudice views towards a certain age, gender, race sexuality, disability etc. Prejudice views are therefore created by these stereotypes. Discrimination is the act of ‘acting on’ or ‘behaving’ in a way that reflects these prejudice beliefs

Question 9

Name 1 strength of in and out groups

Answer 9

has practical applications so it’s useful

By understanding stereotypes, we can take steps to reduce prejudice. eg, By helping people to see themselves as part of a bigger group (eg, a human being) Instead of a smaller one (eg, a particular religion, gender, social class). This emphasises similarities between in-group and out-group and reduces the psychological distance between the group’s. this reduces the influence of stereotypes leading to less prejudice

Question 10

Name 1 limitation of in and out groups

Answer 10

Alternative explanations for stereotyping and prejudice may be more effective

There is evidence that some people are prejudiced mainly because of their personality and not because of social factors. Adorno found that people with an ‘authoritarian’ personality are more likely to stereotype and be prejudiced. this suggests that social explanations of prejudice may be incomplete/too simplicity