Prejudice

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.