Research has identified different theories that explain prejudice. The most commonly known of these theories are social identity theory, contact theory, and stereotyping theory.
Origins and definitions of prejudice: Understanding the origins and definitions of prejudice is essential when beginning to learn about the theories of prejudice. It involves analyzing the psychological, biological, and sociological aspects of prejudice.
Social identity and categorization: Social identity and categorization play a significant role in prejudice, which involves the process of sorting people into social groups based on their physical characteristics or other social identities.
Stereotypes and discrimination: Stereotypes are preconceptions or generalizations that people hold about members of particular groups, while discrimination involves denying or limiting opportunities to individuals based on their social group.
Intergroup contact theory: Inter-group contact theory suggests that prejudice can be reduced by increasing contact between members of different social groups, promoting positive relationships between them.
Social-psychological models of prejudice: These models seek to explain how factors such as personal experience, social norms, and group identity influence an individual’s attitudes and beliefs towards different social groups.
Power and privilege: Power and privilege are closely associated with prejudice, which involves the unequal distribution of power and resources in society. Understanding power dynamics is essential in addressing prejudices.
Individual and institutional prejudice: Prejudice can manifest both at the individual and institutional level, and recognizing this distinction can help to address different forms of prejudice.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality recognizes that individuals have multiple social identities, and prejudice can arise from the intersections of these identities. It involves considering the interplay between factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors.
Implicit bias: Implicit biases are unconscious attitudes and beliefs that impact an individual’s behavior and decision-making, regardless of their conscious beliefs. Identifying and addressing implicit biases is an important step towards reducing prejudice.
Cognitive processes and prejudice: Exploring how cognitive processes such as attention, perception, and memory contribute to the formation and maintenance of prejudices is also useful when learning about the theories of prejudice.
Scapegoat theory: This theory suggests that people hold prejudices against certain groups because they are looking for an outlet to take out their frustration and aggression.
Social learning theory: This theory posits that prejudices are learned through social interaction, observation, and modeling. People adopt prejudices from those around them, including parents, friends, and the media.
Social categorization theory: According to this theory, people categorize others into groups based on easily recognized characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, and age. Once these categories are formed, people tend to view members of their own group more positively and members of other groups more negatively.
Stereotype content model: This model suggests that stereotypes are based on two dimensions: warmth and competence. Groups that are perceived as both warm and competent (e.g., the in-group) are viewed positively, while groups that are perceived as lacking in warmth or competence (e.g., out-groups) are viewed more negatively.
Realistic conflict theory: This theory suggests that prejudice arises from competition between groups for limited resources, such as jobs, housing, or political power. As a result, groups may see each other as threats and develop negative attitudes towards one another.
Social identity theory: This theory posits that people derive their sense of identity and self-worth from the groups to which they belong. As a result, when these groups are threatened or perceived as inferior, people may become defensive and adopt prejudiced attitudes towards other groups.
Contact hypothesis: This theory suggests that positive interactions between members of different groups can help reduce prejudice by breaking down stereotypes and promoting understanding and empathy.