Study Notes on The Nature of Prejudice by Gordon W. Allport

The Nature of Prejudice by Gordon W. Allport

Part I: Preferential Thinking

Chapter 1: What is the Problem?
Introduction to Prejudice

  • Quote by Charles Lamb: "For myself, earth-bound and fettered to the scene of my activities, I confess that I do feel the differences of mankind, national and individual…. I am, in plainer words, a bundle of prejudices-made up of likings and dislikings-the veriest thrall to sympathies, apathies, antipathies."

Two Cases Illustrating Prejudice

  • Case 1: The Truck Driver in Rhodesia

    • A white truck driver expresses disdain for natives, calling them "lazy brutes," despite seeing their hard work later.

    • This showcases prejudice resulting from preconceived notions without sufficient basis.

  • Case 2: The Discriminatory Hotel Experiment

    • Research by S.L. Wax: Letters requesting room reservations were sent using two different names:

    • "Mr. Greenberg" (Jewish-sounding name)

    • "Mr. Lockwood" (non-Jewish name)

    • Results:

    • To "Mr. Greenberg": 52% of resorts replied, 36% offered accommodations.

    • To "Mr. Lockwood": 95% of resorts replied, 93% provided accommodations.

    • Analysis: Mr. Greenberg was judged based on assumed group traits rather than individual merit, highlighting ethnic prejudice.

Defining Prejudice

  • Etymology:

    • The term "prejudice" originally derived from Latin "praejudicium" which meant a precedent judgment based on prior experiences.

    • Evolved to mean a judgment formed without careful consideration of facts (premature judgment).

    • Currently encompasses both favorable and unfavorable judgments not based on actual experience.

  • Definition:

    • Prejudice is defined as "thinking ill of others without sufficient warrant."

    • Important to note that prejudice can be both positive and negative, though negative prejudice is more prevalent.

    • Example definitions:

    • New English Dictionary: A feeling, favorable or unfavorable, toward a person or thing, not based on actual experience.

  • Positive vs. Negative Prejudice:

    • Study noted by Allport indicates students reported 8 times more negative than positive prejudicial attitudes.

Discussion on Hostility and Judgment

  • Prejudice can manifest as antipathy against individuals based solely on group membership.

  • Common misjudgment occurs where individuals fail to recognize the differences within groups, leading to overgeneralizations.

  • Noteworthy quote: “A prejudice is being down on something you’re not up on.”

  • Understanding of sufficient warrant is critical, as judgments are rarely absolutely certain.

Example Exploration of Judgment

  • World War II anti-Nazi sentiments in America are not deemed prejudiced due to the overwhelming evidence against Nazi ideology and actions.

  • Similarly, judgments against gangsters are often justified due to substantial records of criminal behavior.

  • Borderline Cases: Such as prejudice against ex-convicts can blur the lines because while some individuals may truly have reformed, society often stigmatizes based on a past record.

Distinguishing Prejudgment and Prejudice

  • Ordinary prejudgments can often change in light of new information, distinguishing them from fixed prejudices.

  • A person who can change their views upon receiving new evidence is not prejudiced.

  • Key distinctions lead to the notion that prejudice is resistant to change, even when faced with contradicting evidence.

    • Defined as: "Ethnic prejudice is an antipathy based upon a faulty and inflexible generalization."

Is Prejudice a Value Concept?

  • Some argue that a prejudice is only present if it violates social norms or ethical standards of a culture.

  • Examples: Prejudicial attitudes vary widely depending on what a culture accepts or deems normal (e.g., caste systems, ghetto systems).

  • Prejudice can exist even in societies that are not overtly outraged by it, as seen in the example of the caste system in India.

  • The relevance of cultural context and moral outrage during social evaluations of prejudicial behavior is also discussed.

Functional Significance of Prejudice

  • Definitions incorporating social functions imply that negative attitudes serve psychological needs for the individual.

  • However, not all prejudices are rooted in such self-gratifying purposes; many arise from social conformity.

  • Defined elements contribute to a fuller understanding of prejudice:

    • An attitude (favor or disfavor), and

    • An associated overgeneralized belief.

Attitudes and Beliefs as Contributing Factors

  • Examples illustrating the interplay of attitudes and beliefs demonstrate how they reinforce each other:

    • Negative belief about a group often leads to expressed negative attitudes.

    • Changing beliefs may not necessarily result in changed attitudes, highlighting resistance in prejudicial systems.

    • Example dialogue between two individuals highlights rationalizations that can shield prejudicial beliefs from logical scrutiny.

Acting Out Prejudice

  • Discrimination is the motor expression of prejudice:

    • Two employers may share the same prejudiced feelings but act differently.

  • Degrees of Discriminatory Action:

    1. Antilocution: Talking about prejudices within like-minded circles.

    2. Avoidance: Actively avoiding members of the disliked group.

    3. Discrimination: Active exclusion of members from opportunities.

    4. Physical Attack: Violence directed toward members of the disliked group.

    5. Extermination: Systematic violence, such as genocide.

  • Emphasis on consequence indicates that seemingly benign prejudices can escalate into more harmful actions over time.

Conclusion and Notes

  • The implications of prejudice in human interactions highlight the fragility of social cohesion and the potential for conflict escalation.

  • The author's exploration emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding to mitigate prejudicial attitudes in modern interconnected societies.