Stereotyping and Prejudice: Changing Conceptions

The study of stereotyping and prejudice is a study of human nature, group mem­ bership, and intergroup relationships. It sheds light on each of these aspects of social psychology. With respect to the first two, it has been observed that since groups provide the best framework for satisfying various human needs, individuals continuously organize themselves in collectives. They belong to a variety of groups-many of which they voluntarily select and some to which they are ascribed. Group membe...