Title: Prejudice and Discrimination | Introduction to Psychology
Headings: Prejudice and Discrimination
Prejudice and Discrimination
Learning Objectives
UNDERSTANDING PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
Connecting Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Link to Learning
TYPES OF PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
Racism
Sexism
Ageism
Homophobia
Dig Deeper: Research into Homophobia
WHY DO PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION EXIST?
STEREOTYPES AND SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY
Link to Learning
IN-GROUPS AND OUT-GROUPS
Summary
Question #1
Self Check Questions
Critical Thinking Questions
Personal Application Questions
Answers
Glossary

Content: Stereotypes become overgeneralized and applied to all members of a group. For example, someone holding prejudiced attitudes toward older adults, may believe that older adults are slow and incompetent (Cuddy, Norton, & Fiske, 2005; Nelson, 2004). We cannot possibly know each individual person of advanced age to know that all older adults are slow and incompetent. Therefore, this negative belief is overgeneralized to all members of the group, even though many of the individual group members may in fact be spry and intelligent. Another example of a well-known stereotype involves beliefs about racial differences among athletes. As Hodge, Burden, Robinson, and Bennett (2008) point out, Black male athletes are often believed to be more athletic, yet less intelligent, than their White male counterparts. These beliefs persist despite a number of high profile examples to the contrary. Sadly, such beliefs often influence how these athletes are treated by others and how they view themselves and their own capabilities. Whether or not you agree with a stereotype, stereotypes are generally well-known within in a given culture (Devine, 1989).