Stereotypes and Prejudice: Key Readings

There is perhaps no topic that has engaged the interest of social psychologists as that of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Researchers have studied stereotypes and prejudice toward African Americans, women, the elderly, the mentally ill, clinically obese people, homosexuals, the physically handicapped, and individuals with AIDS, to name but a few. Interest in studying stereotyping and prejudice comes both from its theoretical importance as a basic process of person perception, and also from its immense practical importance. As societies are becoming more ethnically diverse, people from different cultures are increasingly coming into contact with each other, with even greater opportunities for stereotypes and prejudice to operate. This book contains a collection of classic and contemporary readings that have contributed to our understanding of stereotypes and prejudice from a social-psychological perspective. The selected readings all make an important theoretical contribution, but have alsobeen chosen with an eye on their accessibility and appeal to students. The volume also includes an overall review of the current state of knowledge in the field, discussion questions, and a list of relevant references. It will be ideal for courses on prejudice.