Individual Differences in Prejudice

Focus on vulnerability to prejudice in individuals.
Research indicates higher scores on certain dimensions lead to negative attitudes toward out-groups.

Right-Wing Authoritarianism
- Definition: A personality trait marked by submission to authority and adherence to rules set by authoritative figures.
- Behavior: Individuals high in right-wing authoritarianism show unconventional behaviors towards out-groups.
- Prejudice Patterns:
  - More likely to exhibit aggression towards ethnic minorities, immigrants, women, and sexual minorities.
  - Example: In recent U.S. history, influenced by authority figures like President Donald Trump, there has been an observable rise in prejudice and discrimination.
Religious Fundamentalism
- Definition: Belief in the absolute truth of one's religious doctrines; belief that one's religion is the only legitimate truth.
- Distinction from Religiosity:
  - Not all religious individuals are fundamentalists; usual religiosity is often negatively related to prejudice, unlike religious fundamentalism.
- Tolerance:
  - Religious fundamentalism fosters intolerance toward differing beliefs, leading to prejudice against other religions and perceived morally degenerate groups (e.g., single mothers, sexual minorities).
Social Dominance Orientation
- Definition: The belief that some social groups are superior to others, endorsing social hierarchies.
- Inherent Inequality:
  - Accepts that inequality among groups is justified, leading to differential treatment.
- Prejudice Associations:
  - Connected with racism, sexism, and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Foundation:
- Motivated to justify and defend the status quo, whether it is right or wrong.
- Tends to idealize the past ('good old days') and reject social change.
Impact on Prejudice:
- Individual differences in system justification predict attitudes and behaviors toward out-groups.