Motivational Aspects of Prejudice and Racism

Abstract

(from the cover) Motivational aspects of prejudice and racism examines the cognitive processes as well as the motivational forces that create and sustain social hierarchies based on racial categories. A panel of top scholars analyzes the subtle and explicit manifestations of bias within and across racial groups, while refuting the idea that race has lost its power as a social concept. Chapter authors review the evolution of the psychological understanding of racism and its effect, pinpoint emerging trends in racism research, and illuminate the experience of prejudice from minority group members' perspectives. Well-known psychosocial phenomena as the cross-race identification effect, social identity, and majority culture members' conflicting attitudes regarding race, are explored, with the underlying ideologies that nurture them. The volume concludes with a realistic assessment of the future, and possible elimination, of racism. Readers are challenged to re-think self and social identities and self-concepts--particularly relevant ideas as America grows more diverse, and potentially more divided. Highlights of the coverage: (a) The role of race--and of racism--in recognizing others; (b) Improved methods of studying racism, prejudice, and interracial contact; (c) Prejudice as experienced by its perpetrators and its targets; (d) Ethnic-specific strategies for responding to and coping with prejudice; (e) Perceptions of racism and identity among Mexican Americans; and (f) Toward eradicating prejudice: the common in-group identity model. Motivational aspects of prejudice and racism fills critical knowledge gaps on many fronts, and is useful reading for researchers in motivation and cognition, social and clinical psychologists, and policymakers. Its authors cogently address issues that affect our everyday lives, and anticipate the long term. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) (cover)