Chapter 17- Preventing And Reducing Prejudice

Question 1

5 ways in which prejudice is prevented and reduced

Answer 1

Education 
Intergroup contact 
Cognitive interventions 
Superordinate goals
Direct experience

Question 2

Education

Answer 2

The formation of prejudice can be impeded through education programs in schools where children are taught about tolerance, the consequences of prejudice, and what constitutes discrimination.

Question 3

Intergroup contact

Answer 3

Prejudice can be reduced through direct contact between groups of people who have prejudicial attitudes towards each other. However, direct contact alone will not work; the following factors are also essential:
> sustained, interpersonal interactions contact between the groups
> mutual interdependence where the groups engage in cooperative activities
> equal status between the groups
> social norms favouring the reduction of prejudice.

Question 4

Cognitive interventions

Answer 4

Prejudice can be countered by reducing stereotyping through cognition. For example, making information available to individuals reduces stereotypes by minimising irrelevant information about groups of people. It is important to make sure that this information is noticed, and to provide su cient time for individuals to process information that contradicts stereotypes.

Question 5

Superordinate goals

Answer 5

Working towards a common goal can facilitate knowledge and understanding between groups. However, the goal must be shared, and it must require the contribution of both groups.

Question 6

Direct experience

Answer 6

Directly experiencing another culture or lifestyle – either in another country or within our own – can help reduce prejudice. This could include learning another language, learning about another culture and participating in another culture. Direct experience can result in better knowledge and understanding, and can reduce ignorance.