Question 7. Theories
of the Formation of Prejudice.
Reflect on the
long-term impact of each of the theories of prejudice formation presented in
the chapter.
·
Racial and Cultural Difference Theory- When
students fear cultures different from their own, they will avoid interaction
with diverse people, leading to a narrower view of the world.
·
Economic Competition Theory- When society hold
prejudice against others because they provide competition for jobs and public
services, stereotypes and prejudices are formed as minorities are scapegoated
for the majority’s ills.
·
Traumatic Experience Theory- When a person forms
a prejudice as a result of a primary or secondary experience, they may always
associate that negative experience with the entire out-group and never get to
know individuals for who they are. This theory also results in prejudices being
passed down from generation to generation as parents share secondary experiences
with children.
·
Frustration-Aggression Theory- When individuals
become frustrated with their inability to satisfy real or perceived needs,
aggression is directed at other groups. This can result in people always
blaming others for their mistakes or shortcomings.
·
Social Control Theory- This theory emphasizes
the influence critical interactions of person, family, community, and social
instructions have on the formation of individual prejudices. Media has a huge
impact on the prejudices individuals hold. In the long run, if the media does
not take this power with responsibility, the values and moral composition of
our country may decline.
Does the prejudice
that is formed as a result of one of the theories last longer than the others?
I
believe that prejudices formed as a result of the traumatic experience theory
would have a more lasting impact on individuals. When one supports his/her
prejudice with an experience, others are more likely to develop similar
prejudices, resulting in lasting impacts on personal and societal norms.
Do the prejudices that
form on the individual level eventually become instilled at the societal level?
Or vice versa?
I feel that prejudices
formed at the societal level eventually become instilled at the societal level.
With the innate desire to “fit in,” many accept, embrace and spread the beliefs
of the society that surrounds them. This leads to prejudices being instilled
into individual identities.
Which of the theories
of prejudice formation do you believe has the longest negative impact on
society and the groups within society, and why?
I believe that the traumatic
experience theory has the longest negative impact on society as human interaction
only serves to spread its reach. As generations pass down experiences and
beliefs, prejudices are instilled in newer generations.
I agree with you that traumatic experiences probably have the longest negative impact on society. We have to do our absolute best to ensure that we make our classroom environment one in which we teach our students about these theories in ways they can relate and understand. In effect, perhaps these dangerous cycles can stop. We have a tough job!
ReplyDeleteI also agree that traumatic experiences have the most far-reaching impact. I can recognize prejudices I hold that are a direct result of experience. Even when our reason guides us to the knowledge that such prejudices are wrong, the emotional component of the prejudice is much harder to erase. I also agree that we should help our students think critically about their own prejudices and the experiences that may have helped form them. I wonder how I could structure a classroom discussion or individual activity on this topic that would be productive for the students.
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