Psy
325:
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Psychology 325: Stereotyping & Prejudice
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The human mind must think with the aid of categories… Once formed, categories are the basis for normal prejudgment. We cannot possibly avoid this process. Orderly living depends on it. (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 20) |
There is a curious inertia in our thinking. We like to solve problems easily. We can do so best if we fit them rapidly into a satisfactory category and use this category as a means of prejudging the solution...so long as we can 'get away' with coarse overgeneralizations we tend to do so. Why? Well, it takes less effort, and effort, except in the area of our most intense interests, is disagreeable. (Allport, 1954/1979, pp. 20-21) |
What is alien is regarded as somehow inferior, less "good," but there is not necessarily hostility against it. (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 42) |
No person knows his own culture who only knows his own culture. (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 486) |
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We can't solve our social problems until we understand how they come about [and] persist. Social science research offers a way to understand the operation of human social affairs. It provides points of view and technical procedures that uncover things that would otherwise escape our awareness. (Babbie, 1999, p. xx) |
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This conference is an analysis of psychological theory and empirical research on stereotyping and prejudice. The course will explore a number of themes: the development and causes of intergroup perceptions and antagonism; reasons for the persistence and prevalence of stereotypes and prejudice; ways in which feelings and beliefs about groups influence social perception and interaction; and possible ways to change group stereotypes or reduce prejudice. In examining these issues, conferences will consider both the ways that individuals perceive themselves as members of groups and the ways that they perceive other groups.
This course begins with historical perspectives on stereotyping and prejudice and their impact on research approaches, definitions, and scientific values. We next examine research on the origins, functions, and consequences of stereotyping and prejudice, while also considering various measurement strategies. We then review studies that 1.) focus on how stereotypes and prejudice influence the social perceiver and then studies that 2.) focus on the targets of prejudice, their reactions to stigma, stereotype threat, and discrimination. The course culminates with mechanisms for reducing prejudice and changing stereotypes.
Several themes are highlighted
throughout the conference, including: (1) a critical analysis of research
assumptions and methodologies, (2) the central role of self in the perception
of and behavior toward others as a function of shared group memberships;
(3) the distinct influences exerted by automatic and controlled processes
in the maintenance and reduction of stereotypical thinking; (4) the impact
of group identity on intergroup phenomena; and (5) the functions/goals
served by stereotypes /prejudice for both the individual and the social
system in which individuals operate.
The readings for this course were selected from several journals, books, and one integrative text: The Psychology of Prejudice, Second Edition (2005) by Todd Nelson, which is available on library reserve. The books are available on two hour library reserve. The articles have been placed on e- reserve. To make the most of class discussion, it is important that you make copies of the readings and bring them to class.