Social final

Explain aversive prejudice and describe when it leads to discriminatory behavior.

Aversive prejudice occurs when people see themselves as fair and non‑prejudiced but still hold unconscious negative feelings toward minority groups. They avoid appearing biased, so discrimination only appears in ambiguous situations where norms are unclear and decisions can be justified on non‑racial grounds (e.g., “They just weren’t the best fit”). Ambiguity gives them psychological “cover” to act on implicit bias.

Compare traditional prejudice, modern prejudice, and aversive prejudice.

Traditional prejudice: Open, explicit, conscious negative attitudes.

Modern/symbolic prejudice: Bias expressed through value‑based arguments (e.g., “hard work,” “fairness”) rather than overt hostility; denies ongoing discrimination.

Aversive prejudice: People genuinely value equality but still hold unconscious negative feelings; discrimination appears only when it can be justified.

Describe the justification–suppression model and give an example.

People have prejudiced impulses but also motives to appear unbiased. They suppress prejudice until a justification appears that lets them express it without guilt.

Example: A manager rejects a minority applicant but claims it’s because they “didn’t seem confident,” not because of race.

What is benevolent prejudice, and why is it harmful?

Benevolent prejudice uses “positive” stereotypes (e.g., women are nurturing, disabled people need protection). It is harmful because it limits autonomy, reinforces inequality, and justifies paternalistic treatment. It appears positive but still restricts opportunities.

Explain the shifting standards model and how it affects evaluations.

People use different internal standards when judging different groups. Identical ratings (e.g., “good,” “competent”) can mean different things depending on the group.

Example: A minority candidate may be rated “excellent” for meeting a lower expectation, while a majority candidate must exceed higher expectations to earn the same rating.

What is the lost opportunities effect, and how does it accumulate over time?

Minority individuals receive fewer informal chances to learn, network, or be mentored. These small disadvantages accumulate, leading to long‑term gaps in performance, confidence, and advancement.

Describe implicit bias and how it differs from explicit bias.

Implicit bias is automatic, unconscious, and influences behavior without awareness. Explicit bias is conscious and deliberate. Implicit bias predicts behavior in ambiguous or quick‑decision situations.

Explain the aversive racism dilemma.

People want to see themselves as non‑racist but still hold unconscious negative feelings. This creates internal conflict. They behave fairly when norms are clear but discriminate when ambiguity allows them to justify their actions.

How does structural discrimination differ from individual prejudice?

Structural discrimination is built into institutions and systems (e.g., hiring practices, school funding). It disadvantages groups even without individual intent. Individual prejudice is personal bias; structural discrimination is systemic.

How do stereotypes become activated, and what happens once they are activated?

Stereotypes activate automatically when a group cue is present (e.g., race, gender). Once activated, they influence perception, memory, and behavior — often without awareness — shaping judgments and expectations.

What is modern prejudice?

A subtle form of bias expressed through value‑based arguments rather than overt hostility; often denies ongoing discrimination.

Give an example of benevolent prejudice.

Saying “Women are naturally better caregivers” — sounds positive but reinforces gender roles and limits opportunities.

When is discrimination most likely for people high in aversive prejudice?

When the situation is ambiguous and decisions can be justified on non‑racial grounds.

Define implicit bias.

Automatic, unconscious associations that influence judgments and behavior.

What is stereotype activation?

When a stereotype becomes mentally accessible and begins influencing perception or behavior.

What is the shifting standards model in one sentence?

People use different internal expectations for different groups, so identical ratings don’t mean the same thing.

What is the justification–suppression model in one sentence?

People suppress prejudice until they find a justification that lets them express it without guilt.

Give an example of modern prejudice

Opposing affirmative action but claiming it’s about “fairness” or “merit,” not race.

What is structural discrimination?

Institutional practices that systematically disadvantage certain groups, even without individual intent.