The social psychology of interpersonal discrimination

Focusing on the fundamentals of how and why people discriminate against others in everyday life, The Social Psychology of Interpersonal Discrimination provides a unique overview of current research in this previously neglected field. This integrative volume examines common prejudicial behaviors including derision, exclusion, and ignoring of others based on their membership in a given group or groups. Incorporating existing theory and empirical research in each area with their own findings, the authors make a vital contribution to social psychology and to the goal of a more egalitarian society. The volume examines commonalities in ways "out group" members are treated, not just in extreme, destructive actions, but in everyday patterns of distancing and avoidance. Delving into the complex relationships among affective and cognitive aspects such as attitudes, stereotypes, and beliefs, on the one hand, and actual behavior, on the other, authors cover behaviors influenced by gender, race, sexual orientation, class, age, and multiple combinations of these factors. Each chapter provides a critical review of the relevant literature, as well as a detailed exposition of the author's theoretical perspective and clinical findings. Attention is given to situational and other sources of variation in the prediction of interpersonal discrimination, and, wherever possible, chapters include qualitative material from a variety of sources such as newspaper reports of current events, the classroom, and community organizations. Authors also address implications for social policy, recommending specific interventions and policies to ameliorate discriminatory patterns. Broad and comprehensive in its scope, the book will be of interest to social psychologists, educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, and sociologists, as well as researchers in gender studies and race/ethnicity. It will also serve as a useful text for advanced courses on prejudice and discrimination.