The Psychology of Prejudice: From Attitudes to Social Action

Given the weaponization of difference in politics, education, and social media today, the need to understand and fight prejudice is urgent. The Psychology of Prejudice: From Attitudes to Social Action presents a comprehensive and nuanced review of the psychological underpinnings of prejudicial thoughts and behaviors. Author Lynne M. Jackson analyzes the psychological mechanisms that underlie and maintain various forms of prejudice, such as learned behavior, implicit bias, and evaluative and affective conditioning. She highlights the developmental psychological roots of prejudice, and examines how individuals weigh social values differently and favor ingroup members. In doing so, she demonstrates in vivid detail how, as Allport wrote, defeated intellectually, prejudice lingers emotionally.

Jackson’s interdisciplinary approach shows how theoretical insights in psychology, sociology, and other disciplines can help explicate complex social phenomena. Using updated case examples and compelling research, this second edition challenges students to think deeply about the troubling growth of overt expressions of prejudice in society today. It also offers a blueprint to help readers combat prejudice in their lives and beyond, to create real and lasting social change.