Study Guide for "Prejudice and Racism"

The following includes a very broad set of questions to help you understand your assigned reading. You are responsible for material in the article that these questions may not directly address. That is, to do well on the quiz you must read the entire article at least once if not more than once. On the day of the quiz, you will have a five question multiple choice quiz in class. Study hard and enjoy understanding the social-psychological causes of racism and sexism!

Define racism and prejudice. What causes these sociological concepts to become a problem?

Is prejudice in and of itself a problem? When does it become a problem? How does prejudice differ from discrimination?

When does discrimination become a societal problem? Define discrimination.

Explain the three components of racism and its five basic elements.

Describe the three levels of racism.

What are the two meanings of institutional racism? Give examples of institutional racism.

Why is simply asserting that a "colorblind" approach is the best way to eradicate racism much too simple? Give examples of cultural racism.

What are stereotypes and when does stereotyping become a problem?

Discuss the possible reasons why stereotyping is a problem. 

Is it true that people who do not feel good about themselves are more likely to be racist or sexist?

How does the fact that most elementary school teachers are women and most college professors are men relate to creating and applying stereotypes?

Explain how stereotypes influence how we process social information, perceive our social world, and behave toward others.

What are some of the predicaments minority groups encounter?

What is the central challenge of bicultural adaptation?

What are some of the ways people can reduce their racial and sexual prejudices?