Prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination

The existence of a prejudice implies that we prejudge, usually negatively to a group or its members. The prejudice Not only does it refer to an opinion or belief, but also an attitude, which includes feelings such as contempt, disgust, abomination.

Current research indicates that prejudice is largely determined by a type of thought known as categorical and is usually a natural result of the way we understand the world. When we think of categories it is easy for prejudice to be presented. A consequence of categorical thinking is that it facilitates the distortion of perceptions.

Content

• The stereotypes
• What is discrimination
• How to avoid discrimination
  • References

The stereotypes

He stereotype, On the other hand, it is a term that refers to generalizations (or often about generalizations) about the members of a group. Generalizations can be positive (women are tender) but in most cases they are negative and resistant to change (indigenous people are foolish).

As in the case of prejudice, psychological studies have found that stereotypar is a common and natural process in cultures around the world. Stereotypes, like other generalizations, serve as mental shortcuts and are probably more applied when we are busy or distracted. Stereotypes can be activated by quickly seeing an image or word related to a stereotyped group and can influence attitudes and behavior.

What is discrimination

The discrimination It implies putting members of a group at a disadvantage or treating them unfairly for belonging to a group.

Although many countries have adopted civil rights laws in the last 50 years, discrimination continues to be a serious problem in the world, even in democratic countries that publicly affirm the ideal of equality. Let's think about the case of Leelah Alonr, the transgender American teenager who committed suicide last years after being forced to receive conversion therapy. Fortunately, this situation gave way to President Barack Obama to prevent this type of therapies, but remains a reflection of the scope of damage that prejudice and discrimination can reach.

Basically, prejudice is sustained by: social inequality, social divisions and scapegoats.

How to avoid discrimination

To solve the problems involved with the solution of prejudice and discrimination from the nineties minority groups as active agents who choose and influence the situations that are involved.

We currently have practices such as "Empathy training programs" that seem to reduce prejudice regardless of the age, sex or race of the participants. Research in empathy and representation suggest that this type of investment of perspective can reduce prejudices, stereotypes, and discrimination. To become more empathetic towards people under prejudice, just consider questions such as, how would I feel in that situation?, How are they feeling at this time?, o Why do they behave in such a way? Papeles representation exercises have also been used to practice effectively responding to prejudiced comments.

Another powerful method to reduce prejudice and discrimination is to establish rules, regulations and social norms that seek or demand more fair treatment. Even more durable reductions in long -term prejudices are possible when the inconsistencies of their values, attitudes and behaviors are pointed out.

Another of the most deeply studied techniques to reduce prejudices is intergroup contact. The conditions of competition and differences at the social level can increase prejudice instead of decreasing it. The key is to devise situations that lead to cooperative and interdependent interactions that seek a common purpose and where people change from a "we and them" to a single "we".

Already finally, we would like to share a very dynamic and easy guide to read, which we hope it can be useful: discrimination begins in you.

References

• Aguilar-Morales, j.AND. (2011). Prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination. Organizational Psychology Network. Mexico: Oaxacan Association of Psychology to.C.
• Almonte, d. (2014). Racial experiment. Available at https: // www.Psychience.com
• Aparicio, d. (2015). Obama asks for the prohibition of "conversion trays" for homosexuals and transgender in adolescents. Available at https: // www.Psychience.com/2015/09/obama-pide-la-prohibition-of-the-the-the-sexual-sexual-in-adolescents/adolescents/