Section 5: Group Conflict
CHAPTER 10
 Prejudice consists of a negative
stereotype & a strong, unreasonable
dislike or hatred of a group
 Often remain immune to evidence
The Origin of Prejudice
 Psychological Functions
 Serves to ward off feelings of doubt &
fear
 Allows people to use the target group
as a scapegoat
 People puff up their own feelings of
low self worth by disliking or hating
groups they see as inferior
Social & Cultural Functions
 Some are acquired through groupthink
& other social pressures to conform to
the views of friends, relatives, or
associates
 Serves cultural purposes- bonding
people to their own ethnic & national
group & its ways
 By disliking “them” we feel closer to
others who are like “us”
Economic Functions
 Makes official forms of discrimination
seem legitimate by justifying the
majority groups’ dominance, status, or
greater wealth
 “minorities are inferior, irrational, &
incompetent”
 Prejudice is a result of conflict
 When two groups are in direct
competition
Jobs
Reducing Conflict & Prejudice
 Groups must have equal legal status,
economic opportunities, and power.
 Authorities and community institutions
must endorse egalitarian norms and
provide moral support & legitimacy for
both sides.
 Both sides must have opportunities
to work and socialize together,
formally & informally.
 Both sides must cooperate, working
together for a common goal.