Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination

Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination provides a comprehensive and compelling overview of what psychological theory and research have to say about the nature, causes, and reduction of prejudice and discrimination. It balances a detailed discussion of theories and selected research with applied examples that ensure the material is relevant to students.

This edition has been thoroughly revised and updated and addresses several interlocking themes. It first looks at the nature of prejudice and discrimination, followed by a discussion of research methods. Next come the psychological underpinnings of prejudice: the nature of stereotypes, the conditions under which stereotypes influence responses to other people, contemporary theories of prejudice, and how individuals’ values and belief systems are related to prejudice. Explored next are the development of prejudice in children and the social context of prejudice. The theme of discrimination is developed via discussions of the nature of discrimination, the experience of discrimination, and specific forms of discrimination, including gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and appearance. The concluding theme is the reduction of prejudice.

The book is accompanied by a comprehensive website featuring an Instructor Manual that contains activities and tools to help with teaching a prejudice and discrimination course; PowerPoint slides for every chapter; and a Test Bank with short answer and multiple-choice exam questions for every chapter.

This book is an essential companion for all students of prejudice and discrimination, including those in psychology, education, social work, business, communication studies, ethnic studies, and other disciplines. In addition to courses on prejudice and discrimination, this book will also appeal to those studying racism and diversity.

Mary E. Kite is Professor of Social Psychology at Ball State University. She received her PhD from Purdue University and is a fellow of the American and Midwestern Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science. In 2014, she received the Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award from the American Psychological Foundation.

Bernard E. Whitley, Jr. is Professor Emeritus of Psychological Science at Ball State University. He received his Ph.D. in Social-Personality Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Fellow of the American and Midwestern Psychological Association and a charter member and Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science.

Lisa S. Wagner is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Gerontology Minor at University of San Francisco. She completed her Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology at University of Washington and has conducted research on stereotyping and prejudice for the past 25 years.