Prejudice and Discrimination

We have previously learned about many of the descriptions of social groups that constitute diversity. This resource explains how stereotypes play into prejudice and discrimination. The prejudice and discriminatory conduct of racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia are explored. The text also looks at how stereotypes can lead to scapegoating and how we can overcome these potential conflicts by expressing empathy, acknowledging the problem and conflict, and changing destructive behaviors.

Types of Prejudice and Discrimination

When we meet strangers we automatically process three pieces of information about them: their race, gender, and age. Why are these aspects of an unfamiliar person so important? Why don't we instead notice whether their eyes are friendly, whether they are smiling, their height, the type of clothes they are wearing? Although these secondary characteristics are important in forming a first impression of a stranger, the social categories of race, gender, and age provide a wealth of information about an individual. This information, however, often is based on stereotypes. We may have different expectations of strangers depending on their race, gender, and age. What stereotypes and prejudices do you hold about people who are from a race, gender, and age group different from your own?