The research on prejudice in social psychology started more than a hundred years ago. The reason why the topic of prejudice became so popular was the desire to understand the Holocaust and the feminist movements.
The two personality characteristics that researchers consider important in the formation of prejudice are authoritarianism and social dominance orientation.
🔸Authority🔸
According to Adorno, prejudice is prevalent in families where the family strives not to lose its social position. therefore they punish their children if they show non-conforming behaviour associated with a lower status.
Prejudice often thrives within families that place great importance on maintaining their social status. In such families, any deviation from the norm or non-conforming behaviour that represents a lower social position is met with punishment. This creates a tense and oppressive atmosphere within the family, where they discourage individuality and self-expression.
The tension and frustration within the family unit are often projected onto external groups in the form of aggression and prejudice. Adorno argues that the prejudiced individual attempts to cope with their own unacceptable urges by attributing them to the targeted outside group.
Read more on how people develop prejudices
🔸Social dominance orientation🔸
People with social dominance orientation personality traits believe that there is a hierarchy between different groups in society. They believe that they are not equal. And, these individuals have the desire to dominate others, and the presence of outside groups seeking to change conforming behaviour disturbs them because they strive to maintain their social dominance.
Social dominance orientation as a psychological concept
Social dominance orientation (SDO) is a psychological concept that explores how individuals perceive and navigate social hierarchies within society. People with high social dominance orientation personality traits firmly believe in the existence of a hierarchical structure among different groups. Such individuals have a strong desire to maintain and reinforce their own social dominance while striving to exert control and authority over others.
Individuals with high SDO tend to exhibit authoritarian tendencies and a preference for social inequality. They find comfort in established societal norms and traditions that reinforce the existing power dynamics. Consequently, any presence of outside groups that challenge or seek to change conforming behaviours and social structures deeply disturbs these individuals. Such efforts threaten their perceived social dominance and may trigger feelings of unease, resistance, or even hostility.
The desire to maintain social dominance stems from various psychological and sociocultural factors. Individuals with high SDO may feel a strong need for status, control, and superiority within their respective social groups. They often fear losing their privileged position and may view any attempts at social change or equalization as personal threats. Consequently, they may respond with resistance or aggression towards individuals or groups advocating for social justice, equality, or inclusivity.
Efforts to reduce social dominance orientation and its negative consequences require comprehensive interventions at both individual and societal levels. Education and awareness-raising initiatives can play a significant role in challenging prejudiced beliefs and promoting empathy and understanding. Encouraging inclusive policies and practices within institutions can contribute to dismantling hierarchies and creating a more just and egalitarian society. Read more on how to reduce our prejudices
Source:
Stanford, 1956
Sidanus and Pratto, 1993
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