Allport noted contextual prejudice but never theorized its underlying logic.

Evidence

Perhaps because of his unwillingness to fully embrace psychoanalysis, Allport made passing references to unconscious processes, but gave them limited emphasis in his book. When he did, he downplayed their role. For example, with respect to scapegoat theory, he noted that there could be “a large amount of unconscious mental operation in the individual” (p. 352), but he thought people to be more unaware of the source of their orientation than of their attitude toward the group, observing, “Few people know the real reason for their hatred of minority groups” (p. 352). In his “Inner Conflict” chapter, he concluded that there is “a sizable group who totally lack insight. They are filled with prejudices and deny this fact” (p. 329). — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 146 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Allport held people rarely know the true source of their prejudice — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 146; Allport grounded prejudice in genuine material and symbolic clashes — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 119

Broader Connections

• Allport held people rarely know the true source of their prejudice #complicates (0.72) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 146