Simply imagining interacting positively with members of a different cultural group can affect prejudice. This imagined social interaction can increase positive attitudes and traits associated with the other group, while also reducing the anxiety associated with inter-group interactions.

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Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on their membership in a particular group. It often begins in the form of a stereotype and can lead to overgeneralized negative beliefs applied to all members of that group, regardless of their individual characteristics.

Prejudice

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Prejudice toward a person or group that the individual holds with conscious awareness. 

Explicit Prejudice

Discrimination is defined as an action or behavior towards an individual that results from their membership in a particular group. While typically discussed as a negative and oppressive act, such as exclusion, discrimination can also manifest positively through preferential treatment for individuals who are part of one's own group.

Discrimination in Social Psychology

Spreading deceptive and/or inaccurate information against female public figures such as political leaders and journalists to undermine their participation in public life. This is often supported by storylines that are based on misogyny and gender stereotypes around the roles of women. 

Gendered Disinformation 

The contact hypothesis suggests that prejudice between different groups can be reduced through positive intergroup contact. This includes not only direct interactions and building relationships but also educational efforts. The positive effects can even be achieved through imagined social interactions with members of other groups.

Contact Hypothesis

Reducing Prejudice through Imagined Social Interaction

Discrimination is a negative action or behavior toward an individual as a result of their membership in a particular group. It often arises when people act on their negative beliefs (stereotypes) and negative attitudes (prejudice), leading to the poor treatment of the target group as a form of oppression.

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