13-6 Prejudice and Stereotyping

prejudice

an unjustified or incorrect attitude towards a group and its members, often based on stereotypes.

discrimination

the unfair treatment of individuals based on their group membership, often resulting from prejudices.

evolutionary roots

of prejudice suggest that it may have developed as a survival mechanism to favor in-group members and increase social cohesion.

stereotype threat

is the fear or anxiety that individuals may experience when they feel at risk of confirming a negative stereotype about their group, potentially affecting their performance.

Eberhardt Study

A research study examining how stereotype threat impacts the behavior and performance of individuals belonging to different racial groups.

Schemas

are cognitive frameworks that help individuals organize and interpret information based on previous experiences and knowledge, influencing perceptions of social groups.

stereotypes

are generalized beliefs or assumptions about the characteristics, attributes, and behaviors of members of a particular group, often leading to oversimplification and misrepresentation.

social norms

are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior within a group or society, shaping how individuals interact and express themselves. These norms can vary significantly across cultures and may dictate acceptable behaviors, values, and attitudes within different social contexts.