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Discrimination is defined as an action or behavior towards an individual that results from their membership in a particular group. While typically discussed as a negative and oppressive act, such as exclusion, discrimination can also manifest positively through preferential treatment for individuals who are part of one's own group.

Discrimination in Social Psychology

One is ignored and excluded in the presence of others due to an extreme form of rejection. Creates a powerfully negative effect on psychological well-being and affects multiple domains on self-functionings. 

Ostracism 

Exerting dominance by a certain group that has social, cultural, economic, or ideological influence.


Hegemony 

There are many types of prejudice and discrimination in our society. Here are only some examples of such types, rather than an exhaustive list:

- Racism
- Sexism
- Ageism
- Homophobia and Transphobia

Types of Prejudice and Discrimination

An example of discriminatory behavior is when individuals holding prejudiced views against older adults actively exclude them from their social circles. This action is a direct result of negative stereotypes and attitudes toward that age group.

Example of Discrimination: Exclusion of Older Adults

A common form of positive bias is showing preferential treatment to individuals who are perceived as being similar to oneself. This favoritism can be based on shared group memberships such as gender, race, or even common interests like supporting the same sports team.

Example of Positive Bias: In-Group Preferential Treatment

While stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination are often discussed in terms of their negative manifestations, it's important to recognize that they can also be positive.
- **Stereotype (Thoughts)**: An overgeneralized belief about a group that can be positive, negative, or neutral.
- **Prejudice (Feelings)**: An attitude toward a group that can be positive (e.g., favoritism) or negative.
- **Discrimination (Behaviors)**: An action toward a group that can be positive (e.g., preferential treatment) or negative.

Positive and Negative Forms of Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Prejudice and discrimination are frequently the underlying causes of major human conflicts. These biases can escalate to extreme levels of hatred and harm between groups, leading to severe consequences such as crime, war, and genocide.

Prejudice and Discrimination as Root Causes of Human Conflict

A manager at a software company is hiring a new project lead. The manager reviews several applications and thinks, "I've found that people who went to my old university are just better collaborators." Based on this situation, which of the following would represent an act of discrimination?

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