Understanding prejudice and communication

Abstract

In almost every society in the world today, prejudice is pervasive and remains a social concern. Members of different minority and marginalized groups are excluded and treated negatively simply because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, social class, immigrant status, ethnicity, religion, age, appearance, and nationality, just to name a few. This chapter discusses how the concept of prejudice is commonly understood in the literature and its theoretical evolution. In addition, it discusses the connection between prejudice and communication. The chapter postulates that communication can be a vehicle to express stereotypical beliefs and prejudicial attitudes towards outgroups. In addition, communication can serve as a tool to transmit and propagate prejudice and stereotypes among members of the ingroup. Last, communication can be a tool to counter stereotypes and reduce prejudice towards outgroups.