Prejudice, Stereotypes, discrimination and stigma

Prejudice

Often the negative preconception held against people within a certain group or social category

How are stereotypes different from prejudices?

Stereotypes are the thoughts we hold about people (cognitive), while prejudices are the feelings that arise from those thoughts (Affective).

Example of stereotypes and prejudices

• If someone is aware of the stereotype that rich people are ungenerous and exploitative (thought)

• May feel anger/resentment towards anyone they perceive as privileged (feeling)

Why is cognitive and affective prominent in this?

They are a part of the tri component model

Discrimination

The unjust treatment of people due to their membership within a certain social category

How does discrimination happen?

Its when prejudice and negative attitudes escalate or are strongly held it can lead to discrimination

What can stereotypes and prejudice lead to?

Discrimination

What is reflective and involuntary?

Stereotypes and prejudice

What are the two different kinds of discrimination?

Direct and indirect discrimination

Direct discrimination (overt)

When someone is treated unfairly because of their association with a particular group. 

Example of direct discrimination

not hiring someone as they are an immigrant and you assume that they don’t speak English fluently.

Indirect discrimination (covert)

occurs when a practice or rule applies to all people and unfairly disadvantages a group.

Example of indirect discrimination

Having only stair access to classrooms at a school, limits accessibility for people with a physical disability.

Stigma

The feeling of shame or disgrace experienced by an individual for a characteristic that differentiates them from others. 

What are the two kinds of stigma

Social and self stigma

Social stigma

negative stereotypes often define groups of people. This prevents them from being seen as an individual. 

Example of social stigma

Due to the stigma/perception that First Nations people tend to be alcoholics → the police may be less likely to believe them if they report a crime.

Self stigma

the result of individual internalising negative stereotypes → can lead to poor self-efficacy and low self-esteem.

Example of self stigma

A child with a disability may believe that they can’t play basketball → causing them to avoid the sport, or even their friends who play sport, for the fear that they will be made fun of.

What is sometimes reflexive and involuntary?

Stereotypes and prejudice