CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF PREJUDICE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of prejudice, the analysis of scientific approaches to the explanation of its role in the functioning of the individual as a subject of life. To achieve the goal, theoretical level methods (analysis, synthesis, comparison, classification) were applied.
 According to the results of the study, it was established that the prerequisite for the formation of prejudices is a social stereotype, as a product of mass behavior supported by the social environment. In contrast to the stereotype in prejudice, as the subject's tendency to perceive, evaluate and take appropriate actions in relation to social objects or a person based on the values accepted in the group, the emotional aspects of the attitude prevail.
 Among existing approaches to explaining the psychological nature of prejudices, theories of social learning, motivational and cognitive theory, and theory of social identity occupy a special place. According to the results of the analysis of these approaches, it was established that the basis of stereotyping are categorization operations. Categorization allows: to distinguish social groups into "own" and "other" groups; form one's own social identity through awareness of belonging to one's social group and perceive it as a source of self-respect; to create an image of oneself, based on the results of comparing one's group with external groups. Categorization simplifies reality, manifests itself automatically beyond human intention. Existing social norms are the categories for dividing groups in society. The choice of a target group for prejudice within a particular culture, as well as the range of appropriate behavior toward it, depend on social learning. Cultural differences will determine the frequency of manifestation of a certain prejudice, the object of prejudice and the ways of its manifestation. Activation of the influence of prejudices on human behavior occurs in situations of threat to collective self-respect.