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CONTENT SUMMARY
Introduction
These topics might cause some a certain level of discomfort. However, it is imperative
that time be taken out to understand, recognize, and get to the root of why stereotypes, prejudice,
and discrimination occurs within today’s society (Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H.R., 2021).
Stereotypes are unfair and untrue beliefs and or feelings about certain people and things. The
negative feelings that individuals develop due to stereotypes lead to individuals ultimately being
prejudice and discriminating against certain people or things. At the root of those three
categories is that we tend to place the world into groups such as self-categorization,
attributions/subtyping, and relative deprivation.
Self-Categorization
Social categorization is kind of like the attribution theory. However social categorization
refers to placing individuals in groups based on gender, race, age, and other attributes (Kassin,
S., Fein, S., & Markus, H.R.2021). Social categorization plays an integral part in our social
environment as well as with one’s social identity. Unfortunately, in the day and time we live in
we as human beings tend to be concerned with others perception of who we are and what we
have. These components are what causes individuals to be categorized as personal or social.
“Self-categorization causes our thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and behavior to conform to our
prototype of the in-group" (Michael A. Hogg & Scott A. Reid 2006). This shows how
individuals will form unpopular beliefs that can effective their perception of others.
Attributions and Subtyping
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CONTENT SUMMARY
Stereotypes are how individuals make attributions (Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus,
H.R.2021). Perceptions, intentions, motives, and traits are all internal attributes as well as
stereotypes. If an individual who has formed a false perception, and or stereotype about an
individual or a particular group is proven wrong. They will do anything within their power to
ensure that their perceived stereotype is preserved. Unfortunately, individuals who are apart of
certain groups will be continuously targeted and devalued in society because of their gender,
race, age, and other attributes. It is proven that discrimination occurs in places where the targeted
group is negatively impacted rather than positively impacted (Laurie T. O’Brien, Zoe Kinias,
Brenda Major,2008).
Relative Deprivation
Relative Deprivation is when an individual ideally believes that they aren’t worthy or
below average and feel as they can’t or won’t reach a certain status. Relative deprivation doesn’t
necessarily mean that an individual is destitute or without. It could relate to ones, attitude
behavior, lack of satisfaction, and or behavior. One’s well-being and health is also a part of the
comparison (Sung, J., Qiu, Q., & Marton, J. 2021). This concept is very relevant and plays an
integral part in one’s life. It has the ability to affect an individual’s well- being, aspirations,
behavior.
Conclusion
Social categorization plays an important role in social psychology. Our social groups are
usually how individuals are shaped and molded. Some social groups are self-esteem boosters to
some while they devalue and degrade others. However, that isn’t always the case, but self-
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CONTENT SUMMARY
categorization can either have a positive impact or a negative impact. It is critical to one’s well-
being that they cling to groups that are less prone to forming stereotypes, be prejudice, or
discriminate against others. The important thing that one must always remember that even
though we aren’t all the same gender, race, or age. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made by
God.
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CONTENT SUMMARY
References
Hogg, M. A., & Reid, S. A. (2006). Social Identity, Self-Categorization, and the Communication
of Group Norms.ECommunication Theory,E16(1), 7–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-
2885.2006.00003.x
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2021). Social Psychology. Cengage Learning
Sung, J., Qiu, Q., & Marton, J. (2021). Relative deprivation: a new derivation and
application.EApplied Economics Letters,E28(9), 784–787.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13504851.2020.1781765
O’Brien, L. T., Kinias, Z., & Major, B. (2008). How status and stereotypes impact attributions to
discrimination: The stereotype-asymmetry hypothesis. Journal of Experimental Social
Psychology, 44(2), 405-412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2007.02.003
