Social Norms And Prejudice Research Paper

Words: 500
Pages: 2

Prejudice is as much an issue in today’s society as it was when the words “all men were created equal” were written upon the Declaration of Independence in spite of the status of both women and minorities during the era. Prejudice is a preconceived idea that is not based on personal experience or reason and it can cause a divide between various groups who when brought together could establish a more successful society. Additionally, targets of prejudice have higher rates of chronic stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and suicide. Although society would like to believe they have progressed beyond a time where one was scrutinized because of their gender, religion, or race, that simply is not true. Prejudice stems from social norms, uncertainty, …show more content…
Minard carried out an study of the interactions in the minefields of a small town in the Southern United States where he found that below ground where the social norm was to be friendly to coworkers more white miners were friendly to black miners. Above ground where the social norm was more prejudiced behavior, less white miners were friendly to their black counterparts. While today prejudice is not as candid as a social norm, this study still applies. The divide that prejudice causes leaves an “us and them” mindset in groups that encourages people of different backgrounds to stay together. Furthermore, the competitive nature in terms of jobs, education, and opportunities in general today, increases the divide between different groups because of that initial mindset of “us and them” which then progresses to “us versus them.” Hence, covert prejudice is taught at a young age due to an expectation to compete immediately. In terms of different racial backgrounds, the mindset can also be picked up due to where children are brought up. In neighborhoods today, there is usually a predominant race that lives in the area. These children grow up around one another which makes them more familiar with each