W08 Activity- Written Responses

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Brigham Young University, Idaho *

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350

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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2

Uploaded by CountOtterPerson2181

1. Define and provide examples of racial prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination. Racial prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination are all connected concepts concerning bias and mistreatment based on a person's race or ethnicity. Racial prejudice is the unfair negative beliefs or judgments people hold about others from different racial backgrounds, often driven by ignorance or stereotypes. For example, an employer, without any valid reason, refuses to hire a well-qualified job applicant solely because of the applicant's racial background. Stereotypes involve oversimplified, generalized beliefs about racial or ethnic groups, often rooted in assumptions. For example, assuming that all individuals of a particular racial or ethnic group are exceptionally good at mathematics. This stereotype implies that people from that group have a natural talent for math solely because of their racial or ethnic background, which is an oversimplified and generalized belief. Discrimination, on the other hand, is treating individuals unfairly or unjustly due to their race or ethnicity, which can manifest in various ways, such as denying opportunities or rights. For example, a restaurant owner refuses to serve a group of customers because of their racial or ethnic background. In this case, the individuals are being treated unfairly and denied access to the restaurant's services based solely on their race or ethnicity. These ideas are interconnected because prejudice and stereotypes often lead to discrimination. 2. Provide an example of  hostile sexism  and an example of  benevolent sexism . An example of hostile sexism is when a male co-worker openly belittles a female colleague's abilities, implying that women are less competent at work, such as saying, "You shouldn't be in this position; women aren't cut out for it." On the other hand, an example of benevolent sexism occurs when a man offers to help a woman with tasks, thinking it's chivalrous, but it reinforces traditional gender roles and suggests women need protection because they are less capable. Both forms perpetuate gender stereotypes and limit opportunities for individuals based on their gender, with hostile sexism being overt and aggressive, while benevolent sexism is subtler but equally harmful. 3. Discuss how  in-group bias  can facilitate  favoritism. In-group bias, or favoring one's own social group over others, can lead to favoritism in various ways. People tend to favor their in-group because it provides them with a sense of identity and belonging, making them more likely to support their group members. This bias is often reinforced by the perception of similarity and shared values within the in-group, which makes it easier to empathize and help one another. Additionally, it reduces conflict and maintains group unity. Cultural norms can also encourage in-group favoritism, and in situations with limited resources, people may prioritize their in-group's well-being to ensure its success, potentially at the expense of out-group members. This bias can result in unequal treatment and opportunities, calling for efforts to address and reduce its negative impact to promote fairness and equity in various settings.
4. Explain how  motivations  can affect  prejudice . Motivations strongly influence prejudice by guiding how individuals perceive and treat others based on their social or personal objectives. People may develop prejudice to boost their self-esteem and group identity, often by devaluing out-groups. In competitive situations, the desire to secure resources can intensify prejudices against perceived rivals. Some individuals adopt prejudiced views to fit in and gain approval from their social circle. Motivations also lead to cognitive consistency, causing people to seek information that aligns with their existing beliefs, reinforcing prejudice over time. Recognizing these motivations is crucial for combating and reducing prejudice in society. 5. How are  discrimination  and the  self-fulfilling prophecy  concept related? Discrimination and the self-fulfilling prophecy concept are related because discrimination can trigger a cycle where negative stereotypes and biases become self- fulfilling. Discrimination, often based on biases, can harm individuals' self-esteem, causing them to internalize these negative beliefs. The self-fulfilling prophecy theory suggests that people may start behaving in ways that align with these labels and biases. For instance, if someone is repeatedly told they can't succeed due to their gender, they may begin to doubt themselves and underperform, which reinforces the initial stereotypes. This cycle perpetuates discrimination by justifying biased beliefs and maintaining inequality. Recognizing this relationship is vital for addressing and countering discrimination's harmful effects.
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