Acting on behalf of prejudice targets beats learning about prejudice

Evidence

Nor are religious teaching and preaching likely to be sufficient, even if we can solve these substantial problems. It is important to keep in mind one of Allport’s key observations, frequently voiced by others since. This observation is that direct, purposeful, positive interaction with and action on behalf of the targets of prejudice are more effective in reducing prejudice than is learning about prejudice (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 485) or hearing sermons about tolerance (p. 495). Even if one’s religion talks the talk of universal acceptance and compassion, this talk needs to be combined with opportunities to walk the walk. As usual, Allport (1954/1979) said it very well: “When he does something, he becomes something” (p. 509, italics in original). Only through such a combination of action and personal transformation is religion likely to unmake prejudice. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2579

Nor are religious teaching and preaching likely to be sufficient, even if we can solve these substantial problems. It is important to keep in mind one of Allport’s key observations, frequently voiced by others since. This observation is that direct, purposeful, positive interaction with and action on behalf of the targets of prejudice are more effective in reducing prejudice than is learning about prejudice (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 485) or hearing sermons about tolerance (p. 495). Even if one’s religion talks the talk of universal acceptance and compassion, this talk needs to be combined with opportunities to walk the walk. As usual, Allport (1954/1979) said it very well: “When he does something, he becomes something” (p. 509, italics in original). Only through such a combination of action and personal transformation is religion likely to unmake prejudice. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2579

Categorization

• XREF: Related to the contact hypothesis literature and to theories that behavior change precedes attitude change (e.g., dissonance theory, self-perception).
• SEED: An essay angle: why religious institutions fail to reduce prejudice despite proclaiming tolerance — the missing action component.
• DEEPTHINKING: “When he does something, he becomes something” condenses a whole theory of transformation through action into six words — the kind of insight that anchors attitudinal-change dynamics beyond just this context.
• ADDENDUM: Relevant to ‘On Sacrifice’ and behavioral-change themes; and echoes the contact hypothesis that grounds intergroup cooperation.
• DEFINE: Captures Allport’s core insight that behavioral engagement, not information, transforms attitudes — a principle with wide applicability.
• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 2579; , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2579