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Introduction
Topics within this week’s readings include stereotype, prejudice, discrimination, as well
as a close examination of psychological theories given in a social context, interdependence in
social interaction, social identity, and self-esteem. It is fairly easy for individuals to recognize the
need for social change in areas such as social inequality and protection, however, it is another
story to support and pursue the change that is needed.
Overview of Social Psychology
Stereotype, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Approximately a decade ago, a study was conducted in which researchers attempted to
understand the common and reoccurring resistance to social change (Bashir, et. al., 2013). The
study results indicated that stereotypical perceptions play a crucial role in the resistance to social
change. This means that unfortunately, the targets of stereotypical perceptions frequently
experience others projecting social categorizations (Kassin, et. al., 2020).
Social Identity, Self-esteem, and Interdependence in Social Interaction
Social Identity Theory suggests that affiliation to social groups helps to develop and
maintain self-esteem (Shepherd, 2015). Most individual’s experience some type of social
interaction each day, whether that be at work, school, home, or in the public setting. The
interactions that individuals have with others on a regular or daily basis shape the social
environment in which we live in (Shepherd, 2015). Therefore, it is critical to our well-being.
Interdependence is the focal of regular and daily human interactions.
Equity Theory and Construal Level Theory
Equity Theory stems from economic principles. John Stacy Adams first introduced the
Equity Theory in 1963, serving as the exchanges between employers and employees, further
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suggesting rewards are distributed to those who provide the largest amount of input (Chadee,
2022). Today, Equity Theory is largely used to help individuals understand the way we develop
and maintain interpersonal relationships. Construal Level Theory, however, was developed in
understanding the effects of psychological distance in human behavior (Chadee, 2022).
Conclusion
There are various key take-aways from this week’s readings. Attributing negative
feedback to discrimination can protect one’s overall self-esteem, but it can also make an
individual feel as if they have less personal power in their lives. Therefore, stigmatized targets
are at increased risk for serious and long-term physical and psychological problems. In
conclusion, it is significant to our social society that stigmatized targets are considered in a larger
capacity in how we as social beings communicate with others, and how we treat others.
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References
Bashir, N. Y., Lockwood, P., Chasteen, A. L., Nadolny, D., & Noyes, I. (2013). The ironic impact
of activists: Negative stereotypes reduce social change influence. European Journal of
Social Psychology, 43(7), 614-626.
Chadee, D. (Ed.) (2022). Theories in Social Psychology (2nd ed.). Wiley Global Research.
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2020). Social Psychology (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Shepherd, D., & Sigg, N. (2015). Music preference, social identity, and self-esteem. Music
Perception: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 32(5), 507-514.
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