Question

The negative (or positive) evaluation of a group and its members is called a. Stereotyping b. Prejudice c. Self-fulfilling prophecy d. Discrimination

Short answer

The correct answer is b. Prejudice.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Terms

First, let's break down the definitions of the terms in the choices. Stereotyping refers to fixed, generalised beliefs about a particular group or class of people. Prejudice refers to preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience, usually involving negative attitudes towards a group and its members. A self-fulfilling prophecy refers to a belief or expectation that an individual holds about a future event that manifests because the individual holds it. Discrimination refers to unjust or prejudiced treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.

Relating Terms to the Definition

Next, relate the definitions to the description in the exercise: the negative (or positive) evaluation of a group and its members. Looking at the definitions, we can see that this description aligns most closely with the definition of prejudice.

Choose the Correct Answer

Having compared the definitions to the given description, we see that 'Prejudice' is the term that fits best as it involves a negative (or positive) evaluation of a group and its members. So, the correct answer is Prejudice.

Key concepts

Stereotyping

Stereotyping occurs when people form generalized ideas about the behaviors or characteristics of a group. These ideas could be about race, gender, profession, or any other identifiable group. Typically, stereotypes do not consider individual differences within the group.
They often stem from oversimplification and exaggeration of traits and can lead to negative consequences. Some common points to remember about stereotyping include:

• Stereotypes can be both positive and negative.
• Even if meant positively, they can still be harmful by limiting an individual's freedom to express their true identity.
• Stereotypes are often perpetuated by media, culture, and misconceptions.

Acknowledging and challenging stereotypes can open pathways to more inclusive thinking. This involves learning about individuals based on their unique attributes rather than preconceived notions.

Self-fulfilling Prophecy

Ever heard the saying, "You are what you think"? That's where self-fulfilling prophecy comes into play. It describes a situation where, due to a belief or expectation, an individual unwittingly causes the expectation to come true.
This process can echo through various aspects of life, from education to personal relationships. Here's how it happens:

• Someone holds an expectation (positive or negative) about a situation or another person.
• This expectation influences how the person behaves. This behavior can be conscious or subconscious.
• The individual or situation responds accordingly, often matching the initial expectation.
• As a result, the original belief is "confirmed," reinforcing the cycle.

Understanding self-fulfilling prophecies provides insight into why people might continue to behave or perform according to others' or their own beliefs. It's essential to remain aware of how our expectations can subtly shape our actions, ensuring they foster positive outcomes.

Discrimination

Discrimination refers to unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, age, gender, or any other personal attribute. It's a behavior rooted in prejudice, where individuals are treated unjustly compared to others who are different from them. Key points about discrimination include:

• Discrimination is an action based on biases or stereotypes.
• It can manifest in various forms, such as exclusion, verbal harassment, or unequal opportunities.
• It is an unlawful act in many societies and often contradicts basic human rights principles.

Fighting discrimination involves promoting equality and justice, starting with recognizing our biases. Education and empathy play crucial roles in creating a society where everyone is judged by their character and abilities, not their uncontrollable attributes.