Can the Social Ecological Model Help Overcome Prejudices?

Abstract

The social ecological model takes a holistic approach to complex social issues. As such, it might offer important clues as to how prejudices could be overcome. Prejudices are negative attitudes typically directed at individuals and out-groups. An analysis of prejudices reveals that they have their origins in individuals and their social peers. The social ecological model encompasses individual characteristics as well as the social and physical environment in which individuals are raised because these social ecological factors need to be considered when seeking a means of overcoming prejudices. Another important aspect is persuasion because individuals tend to ignore information that contradicts their established attitudes while distorting information so that it fits into preexisting attitudes. According to the Social Judgement Theory, individuals are only persuaded by messages that fall within their latitudes of acceptance. The text proposes a comprehensive approach in line with the social ecological model to overcome prejudices.