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Prejudicial behavior: More closely linked to homophilic peer preferences than to trait bigotry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2012

Jacob M. Vigil  and
Kamilla Venner
Jacob M. Vigil
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1161. vigilJ@unm.edu http://www.unm.edu/~psych/faculty/sm_vigil.html kamilla@unm.edu http://www.unm.edu/~psych/faculty/sm_venner.html
Kamilla Venner
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1161. vigilJ@unm.edu http://www.unm.edu/~psych/faculty/sm_vigil.html kamilla@unm.edu http://www.unm.edu/~psych/faculty/sm_venner.html
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Abstract

We disagree with Dixon et al. by maintaining that prejudice is primarily rooted in aversive reactions toward out-group members. However, these reactions are not indicative of negative attributes, such as trait bigotry, but rather normative homophily for peers with similar perceived attributes. Cognitive biases such as stereotype threat perpetuate perceptions of inequipotential and subsequent discrimination, irrespective of individuals' personality characteristics.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 35 , Issue 6 , December 2012 , pp. 448 - 449
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012 

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