FIRST DRAFT DOCUMENT

NAME: Luisa Fogel

By Carmen Cipolla Date / /

How does prejudice caused by stereotypes affects people’s lives daily

Does prejudice affect you in your daily life constantly? Prejudice is indeed intensified by
stereotypes, has profound implications on people's lives and their daily interactions and experiences.
The aftermath of the UK's EU referendum led to a significant rise in race hate crimes, prompting the
government to address this issue through initiatives like Action Against Hate. To comprehend the
broader context of hate crimes and unlawful behavior stemming from prejudice, a research report led
by Professor Dominic Abrams and his team at the University of Kent looked into the complexities of
social categorization and its consequences. This research shows how prejudice influences individuals'
perceptions and actions, illuminating their connections between societal attitudes and discriminatory
behaviors.

At its core, prejudice operates as a bias that devalues individuals based on their perceived
membership in a social group. This devaluation reduces their worth as well as their status within
society, leading to various forms of discrimination. These biases manifest in both explicit and subtle
ways, such as age-related stereotypes affecting older individuals. For instance, older adults often face
misconceptions about their cognitive abilities, despite evidence showcasing their valuable
contributions to society, such as senior judges handling significant judicial responsibilities. Another
example are color-related stereotypes affecting black people, something unfortunately very common
nowadays. These stereotypes not only impact individual self-perception but also have far-reaching
consequences for society, potentially depriving it of the wisdom and expertise older adults can offer.
People can feel bad because of what was said to them, leading to insecurities or even worse,
depression and other mental/ health problems.

The impact of prejudice extends beyond individual interactions, diffusing through society's
attitudes and behaviors. Research highlights the diverse forms of prejudice experienced by different
groups, revealing alarming trends. Muslims, for instance, frequently encounter prejudiced attitudes,
often linked to perceived cultural threats, while age-related stereotypes create barriers for older
individuals. Negative expectations about older adults' capabilities can take away their motivation,
limiting their engagement in activities vital for their well-being. Moreover, ageist beliefs may overlook
the valuable insights and experiences older adults bring, obstructing the societal benefits of their
contributions. Addressing these stereotypes becomes imperative to encourage a more inclusive
society.

Understanding the profound effects of stereotypes on behavior and judgment is crucial to tear
down prejudice. Social psychologists have extensively studied the impact of stereotypes, revealing
their power to shape interactions and bring out behaviors consistent with those stereotypes. Besides
influencing how individuals perceive others, these biases also affect the behavior of those holding
stereotypes. Recognizing the complex interplay between societal attitudes, discriminatory behaviors,
along with individual self-perception is vital. By challenging stereotypes and promoting accurate
understanding, society can pave the way for a more empathetic and just coexistence, where individuals
are valued for their unique qualities rather than prejudiced assumptions.

459 words