View more on assignmentlab.com/ln-samples !

1. Prejudice and Discrimination

2. Prejudice and discrimination are the notions referred to often enough and in different
situations. Using precise definition, however, helps to make sure these notions are not
misinterpreted. According to the dictionary, prejudice is “an opinion formed beforehand,
especially an unfavorable one based on inadequate facts” (Collins English Dictionary).
Discrimination in sociology is defined as “an unfair treatment of a person, racial group,
minority, etc.” or “an action based on prejudice” (Collins English Dictionary). Therefore,
prejudice, in the form of various biased concepts and assumption, serves as an
ideology of discrimination. Prejudice and discrimination are motivated by different
psychological, social, and cultural stereotypes are a serious barrier for the progress of
human civilization.
Psychological Stereotypes as the Basis for Prejudice and Discrimination
Different kinds and examples of prejudice are interpreted by psychologists as
stereotypes driven to their extreme point (McLeod). In recent years, prejudice and
discrimination have been in the focus of different studies, which is the evidence of the
importance of these problems for different nations, societies and communities. The
main psychological factors causing stereotyping can be the features of a person or a
certain group of people. In 1950, a group of psychologists developed a theory that
prejudice is defined by an individual’s personality type (McLeod). The conclusions were

3. made on the basis of the questionnaire experiment, case studies, and psychometric
technique that, according to experts, demonstrated that some types of individuals had
specific sensitivity to totalitarian and antidemocratic ideas and concepts and would
readily develop prejudiced attitudes to certain persons or groups of people.
Other psychologists studied different kinds of prejudice and stereotypes that
were expressed in group behavior; this aspect is of special interest and importance
because people typically behave as members or representatives of certain groups,
communities, or other social classes. One of the most popular theories of this kind is a
Realistic Conflict Theory that interprets a group conflict as a result of groups’
competition for desired resources (McLeod). One of the best-known versions of this
theory is “The Robber’s Cave” (McLeod). The field experiment involved two selected
groups of twelve-year-old boys in the summer camp that were put in special situations
where one group gained at the expense of the other. The experiment demonstrated …