Prejudice
What is Prejudice?
Prejudice is a preconceived opinion or bias, often based on stereotypes, that can lead to unfair judgments and treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion. These biases can be implicit or explicit, influencing attitudes, social interactions, and decision-making.
The Basic Idea
Imagine you're at a job interview, where you're asked to assess two equally qualified candidates for a role. One has a background that mirrors your own, while the other comes from a different community or cultural background. Even though both candidates have the same qualifications and experience, you might unknowingly make assumptions about their abilities based on your own biases—whether they relate to gender, race, or even where they grew up. This isn't necessarily intentional, but these assumptions can influence your decision-making process, often leading to unfair judgments or unequal treatment.
This example highlights how prejudice works, shaping our perceptions and behavior in ways we don’t even realize. Prejudice often starts with stereotypes—assumptions about people based on their identity—whether that’s their race, gender, age, or any other characteristic. These assumptions are influenced by our perceptual set, the way our past experiences and expectations color our interpretations of new information. We may also act on preconceived notions about others, which can lead to unfair judgments or unequal treatment, often without us being fully aware of it. Recognizing these biases is an essential first step in reducing their impact on our interactions and decisions.
It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.
— Audre Lorde, American writer, professor, and civil rights activist2
About the Author
Emilie Rose Jones
Emilie currently works in Marketing & Communications for a non-profit organization based in Toronto, Ontario. She completed her Masters of English Literature at UBC in 2021, where she focused on Indigenous and Canadian Literature. Emilie has a passion for writing and behavioural psychology and is always looking for opportunities to make knowledge more accessible.