Categorization that grounds prejudice is normal and unavoidable mental functioning.

Evidence

Although ingroup–outgroup distinctions had been previously recognized as a source of bias (Sumner, 1906), Allport focused on the normality and inevitability of categorizing social groups. Allport noted, “The human mind must think with the aid of categories… . Once formed, categories are the basis for normal prejudgment. We cannot possibly avoid this process. Orderly living depends upon it” (p. 20). — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 107 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

In titling his chapter 2 “The Normality of Prejudgment,” Allport sparked a revolution; humans have a normal, natural propensity toward prejudgment. Whereas most social-scientific observers had viewed prejudice as the product of complex psychodynamics, Allport provided an alternative. Even now, most lay people believe prejudice is the purview of a disfavored few, those with abnormal impulses. Instead, Allport suggested, all people are subject to prejudices, as a function of the normal human cognitive apparatus. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 285 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Social categorization is a normal, inevitable mental process underlying prejudice — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 107; Prejudice arises from normal cognition, not abnormal pathology — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 282; All people harbor prejudice as a normal cognitive function — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 285 (+10 more)

Broader Connections

• Social categorization is a normal, inevitable mental process underlying prejudice #corroborates (1.00) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 107
• Social categorization makes prejudgment an unavoidable normal mental process #corroborates (1.00)
• Prejudice arises from normal cognition, not abnormal pathology #corroborates (0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 282
• Prejudice is a normal product of categorization, not sick motives #corroborates (0.95)
• Prejudice is a universal inheritance of normal cognition, not abnormal impulse. #corroborates (0.95) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 285
• All people harbor prejudice as a normal cognitive function #corroborates (0.93) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 285