Prejudice In Today's Society

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Prejudice and discrimination are widely present in today's society. Prejudice refers to an unjustified and usually negative attitude towards members of a group based solely on membership in that group. Prejudice may be based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, etc. For example, believing that all Muslims are terrorists is a religion based prejudice. Discrimination, on the other hand, while related to prejudice is slightly different. Discrimination is unfair treatment of an individual or a group of people based on their age, gender, race, ethnicity, etc. In other words, prejudice is a feeling while discrimination is an action or behavior that expresses the attitude of prejudice. Prejudice often leads to discrimination, however it is possible for one to exist without the other. For example, a restaurant owner might be prejudiced against Chinese people but still not refuse service to them.
Sociologists have found that people are not born with prejudiced attitudes but rather learned them throughout life. Socialization, conformity, ethnocentrism and institutional prejudice and discrimination play a big role in forming and perpetuating prejudice and discrimination. …show more content…
Ethnocentrism is a belief that one's own ethnic, national or religion group is superior to all others. It has been proven that people have a tendency to favor the group they belong to over another group. However, superiority of the own group, the so called "in-group", leads to viewing other groups ( "out-groups") as inferior which subsequently promotes attitudes and discrimination.
Furthermore, institutions such as government or schools may play a role in developing and promoting prejudice and discrimination. Prejudice and discrimination are usually evident in practicies and policies of that institution. In certain countries women are not allowed to drive, vote or work which is an example of government discrimination on the basis of
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