Transcript Prejudices, where do they come from?

Prejudices, where do they come
from?
By Robyn Archbold and Vicky Heath
Sociologists termed prejudice an adaptive
behaviour. Biased views might be thought
needed at times for survival. There is not
always enough time to form a legitimate view
about a potential foe before adopting a
defensive stance that could save our lives.
Prejudice is non-adaptive when it interferes
with survival or well-being.
Stereotypes - and how they lead to
prejudice.
• It has been studies by many psychologists and is the theory of
many, that it is our Human Nature to “size up our opposition”
and judge or stereotype groups.
• Labels and characteristics are given to certain groups which
can lead to prejudiced thinking when presented with a
member of a certain “stereotyped group”
• Many groups are given stereotypes, depending on their race
or nationality, genders or sexual orientation. Some are lighthearted exaggerations characteristics of a race or culture but
others can lead to serious prejudice and discrimination.
Our Education “The Learning Theory”
• Prejudices can often be passed down from generation to generation
from parent to child. For example, children may acquire a gender
stereotype by observing their parents treating male and female
differently. Although, empirical results often showed significant
correlation between parents’ and child’s attitude, the correlations
were typically low especially after the child grow up and its time
through it’s own education. This suggests that learning from
parents can only explain part of the reason behind prejudice.
• Religion and education can also enforce prejudice and
discrimination. For instance Extreme Islamic people in the Middle
East are extremely prejudiced against those in the West who
challenge their actions. Indoctrination of these beliefs occur in
some parts of the Middle East today. And conversely anti-Eastern
feelings in the West are generated by the extremist terrorist
coverage by the media.
Ignorance
• Prejudice can come from people acting out of ignorance
and basing their opinions, solely on stereotypes or by
taking their opinion of one member of a group and using
it as a generalisation. Lack of understanding of cultures
or racial group’s religion, beliefs or history leads to
prejudice. This means that education and learning of
diverse cultures and races is the way to reduce
prejudicial thinking.
• Differences between groups are the main reasons for
prejudiced views and the fact that some are not
interested in understanding other groups, and are
reluctant about changing their views.
The Media
• Unrealistic or over-exaggerated presentations of a group of
people causes prejudice. Over exposure to completely
negative aspects of a group also leads to prejudice.
• For instance, Teenage Gun and Knife crime has been exposed
a lot in the media, as well as Gang culture among teenagers
and “Party Wild Students” (Norwich Carnage Event) This leads
to a biased and slanted portrayal leading people, especially an
elderly generation to be prejudiced towards teenagers and
young people, judging the majority based on only a minority.
Age
• Your age and generation will also influence the way you think and
your prejudices. People of older generations may be prejudiced
towards people of German nationality as they lost parents and
relatives through World Wars and find it hard to let go, as they were
growing during a time when certain nationalities were the enemy.
• If you are younger your thoughts towards certain social groups are
more accepting and liberal. Older generations may view gay
people negatively, with stereotypes and stigmas attached to them
such as they are promiscuous and incapable of secure and longterm relationships. Many of the older generations do not agree
with the introduction of Civil Partnership, carrying forward their
prejudiced views about same-sex partnerships and their “rights”
Some students were asked the same
question “Where does prejudice come
from?”
• “Prejudice comes from those times when black people were used
as slaves. Since then they were treated like lower-class people. They
were thought to be inferior to the whites.”
• “Prejudice might come from historical events, ignorance, hate. For
example, in the past, Jews were treated horrifically throughout the
Holocaust, whilst some still deny it happened today.”
• “Prejudice comes from the differences between people (the colour
of the skin, culture, nationalities). Some people are not open to
new ideas. They are unyielding because they don't want to change
their preconceptions.”
• “We believe that prejudice comes from the desire of some people
to be better than others. They think that they are superior to
others. “
Where do you think Prejudice comes from?