University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Prejudice and discrimination persist within a society primarily through two interconnected mechanisms: social learning and conformity to social norms. Individuals, particularly children, acquire prejudiced attitudes and beliefs by observing and absorbing information from their social environment. Furthermore, if discriminatory views are widely accepted within a society, normative pressures can compel individuals to adopt these beliefs and behaviors to fit in with their social groups.

Social Learning and Conformity as Causes of Prejudice and Discrimination

Why do prejudice and discrimination continue to exist in society?

How do children primarily learn prejudiced and discriminatory behaviors?

What role do social norms play in the persistence of prejudice and discrimination?

Children acquire prejudiced attitudes and beliefs through various socialization sources in their social environment, including parents, teachers, peers, traditional media, and social media. These sources teach and reinforce societal standards regarding which groups are favored or disfavored.

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