NCJ Number
148055
Date Published
1992
Length
13 pages
Annotation
After defining prejudice, this booklet identifies its negative consequences and proposes strategies to prevent it.
Abstract
Prejudice literally means "judging before." It involves the formation of attitudes toward persons, groups, and situations before there is any experience with or study of them. Prejudice is usually learned from others, such as parents and peers. Prejudices that involve negative stereotypes of others, particularly identifiable groups, can undermine the self-esteem of persons in those groups and also deprive them of opportunities that require positive assessments of their abilities and behaviors. Prejudice that impacts the structures and institutions of society intensifies class and group conflict, undermines equality of services, and fuels resentment that can erupt into violence. The negative consequences of prejudice affect all persons. Prejudice can be eliminated and mitigated through education and experience that cultivates a greater understanding and acceptance of those different from ourselves. When persons can view differences between themselves and others as a neutral or positive factor rather than a threat to one's own psychological security, then prejudice is undermined.