University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

In social psychology, prejudice refers to the attitudes and feelings held toward an individual based solely on their membership in a particular social group. While these attitudes are often negative and problematic, they can also be positive, such as having favorable feelings for people who belong to a group one identifies with.

Prejudice in Social Psychology

A social group in social psychology is a board term that can include gender, nationality, social class, race, religion, sexual orientation, and many other. An individual can be a member of many social groups and is not confined in one. 

Social Group

A stereotype is an overgeneralized belief or assumption about individuals based solely on their membership in a group, without regard for their individual characteristics. These beliefs are then applied broadly to all members of that group, ignoring individual differences.

Stereotype in Social Psychology

There are many types of prejudice and discrimination in our society. Here are only some examples of such types, rather than an exhaustive list:

- Racism
- Sexism
- Ageism
- Homophobia and Transphobia

Types of Prejudice and Discrimination

What best describes prejudice in social psychology?

Which of the following is an example of prejudice in social psychology?

Which of the following statements best illustrates the concept of prejudice in social psychology?

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies prejudice in social psychology?

Prejudice and discrimination are frequently the underlying causes of major human conflicts. These biases can escalate to extreme levels of hatred and harm between groups, leading to severe consequences such as crime, war, and genocide.

Prejudice and Discrimination as Root Causes of Human Conflict

Social groups are diverse and can be based on a wide range of characteristics. Common examples include groups defined by gender, race, age, ethnicity, nationality, social class, religion, sexual orientation, and profession. Individuals can, and often do, belong to multiple social groups simultaneously.

Examples of Social Groups

Prejudice and discrimination persist within a society primarily through two interconnected mechanisms: social learning and conformity to social norms. Individuals, particularly children, acquire prejudiced attitudes and beliefs by observing and absorbing information from their social environment. Furthermore, if discriminatory views are widely accepted within a society, normative pressures can compel individuals to adopt these beliefs and behaviors to fit in with their social groups.

Social Learning and Conformity as Causes of Prejudice and Discrimination

The social groups an individual belongs to, such as those based on gender, race, or age, are powerful sources for shaping their personal identity and self-esteem. These affiliations provide a strong sense of self and contribute significantly to how individuals value themselves.

Role of Social Groups in Identity and Self-Esteem

Prejudice can serve a psychological function by enhancing an individual's self-esteem. This occurs because identifying with an in-group and holding positive views of it, often at the expense of an out-group, helps individuals maintain a positive self-concept and protect their group identity from perceived threats.

Prejudice as a Self-Esteem Function

An out-group is a social group with which an individual does not identify. In the context of intergroup relations, prejudice and negative evaluations are frequently directed toward members of an out-group.

Out-group

Prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory actions are often founded on a person's social identity. Common bases for such negative treatment include gender, race, ethnicity, social class, and sexual orientation, among other group affiliations.

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