6D - Prejudice, discrimination and stigma

Prejudice

A negative preconception held against people within a certain group or social category. For example, believing men are naturally better leaders than women in the workplace

Influence of stereotypes on prejudice

if someone is aware of the stereotype that rich people are ungenerous or exploitative, they may feel anger towards anyone there perceive as privileged

Discrimination

The unjust treatment of people due to their membership within a certain social category. For example, getting less pay because you are a female

Influence of stereotypes and prejudice on discrimination

The stereotype that all asians are good at maths. The prejudice when someone feels annoyed that their asian friends may get better grades than her on the maths SAC. The discrimination when that person doesn’t help her Asian friends with a math question while they are studying because she believes they will get a better grade anyways than her.

Direct discrimination

When someone is treated unfairly because of their associated with a particular group. For example, not hiring someone as they are an immigrant and you assume that they don’t speak English fluently

Indirect discrimination

When a practice or rule applies to all people and unfairly disadvantages a group. For example, having only stair access to classrooms at a school disadvantages people with a physical disability.

Stigma

The feeling of shame or disgrace experienced by an individual for a characteristic that differentiates them from others. For example, women are too emotional and lack resilience, and therefore have no place as CEOs of companies

Social stigma

Largely characterised by negative stereotypes as they come to define people and prevent them from being seen as an individual, leading to widespread discrimination. For example, due to the stigma that Indigenous men tend to be alcoholics, they police may be less likely to believe them if they report a crime and may instead be suspicious of them.

Self-stigma

The result of the internalisation of negative stereotypes and can lead to poor self-efficacy and low self-esteem. For example, a child with a disability may believe that they can’t play basketball, causing them to avoid the sport completely or even their friends who play, for the fear that they will be made fun of.

Influence of prejudice, discrimination and stigma on personal mental wellbeing

Damaged or worsened self image and self confidence. Heightened experience of stress. Increased susceptibility to mental health problems or disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Influence of prejudice, discrimination and stigma on group mental wellbeing

Higher prevalence of mental health disorders. Feeling socially isolated from other communities and groups. Increased levels of substance abuse.

Reducing prejudice, discrimination and stigma (education)

Providing knowledge and information about the unknown is a great way to correct or identify misinformation and assumptions that people may have about others. For example, reading articles or journals to better understand how mental disorders affect people

Reducing prejudice, discrimination and stigma (inter-group contact)

The impact of stigma and prejudice can be reduced through conversations. By having open discussions, asking respectful questions, and taking the time to listen, you can better understand others experiences and avoid engaging in offensive behaviours or mindsets. For example, spending time with a classmate from a different culture or religion to learn more about their experiences or views.

Reducing prejudice, discrimination and stigma (social media)

Raises awareness and calls our prejudice or discrimination. The impact of these attempts is more widespread and better realised due to a variety or people from different parts of the world being active on these platforms. For example, a celebrity sharing her experiences about the gender discrimination she faces in her career

Reducing prejudice, discrimination and stigma (laws)

Having laws in place to prevent discrimination can also reduce the negative impact it has on wellbeing, as these laws may help protect and give a voice to minority groups. For example, the age discrimination act 2004.