Question

Prejudice is responsible for racism and discrimination. With that in mind, let us explore the Theories of Prejudice,;  four Theories of Prejudice; scapegoating, authoritarian personality, exploitation, and normative theory.. Please identify, compare, and contrast the four theories of prejudice. Do you think one theory is more prevalent than another theory in our lives today?

Answer 1

• There are four theories of the origin of prejudice. These are normative theory, scapegoating theory, exploitation theory, and authoritarian personality theory.
• In normative theory, prejudice is formed from basic socialization experiences with the family, friends, community, and the mass media playing a huge role. An individual can avoid the prejudice formed in this manner by critically evaluating the attitudes, which are created by the a forementioned parties.
• In the scapegoating theory, an individual projects the blame for misfortunes and personal shortcomings onto another group. Although this view indicates that prejudice has its roots in human nature, an individual can try to cope with his or her situation rather than putting the blame on others.
• In the exploitation theory, the conflict in economic interests is the cause of prejudice. However, as opposed to this view, prejudice may not be due to economic reasons as prejudice is often times.
• In the authoritarian personality theory, prejudice emanates from the tendency to look in to matters based on evil and good, wrong and right. This source of prejudice is baseless as it is created by a punitive and harsh upbringing and only succeeds at making an individual to adopt prejudice on all things.
  
• I think scapegoating theory is the one which is more prevalant in our lives,since prejudice is something that we all engage in.And also blame others for our own shortcomings or even blame others for their own success as well because of jealous.It has definitely become a second nature to all of us since the competition is cut throat and stress to go ahead of others is increasing. So,it has become slightly more easy and convenient to blame others especially the government or even rich people for one's own economic situations and general lifestyle.