Deep-seated fairness values create inner conflict with prejudice

Evidence

In recognition of the very real possibility that prejudice may be viewed as unacceptable, Allport opened the “Inner Conflict” chapter, chapter 20, with the following observation: “The course of prejudice in a life seldom runs smoothly. For prejudiced attitudes are almost certain to collide with deep-seated values that are often equally or more central to the personality” (1954/1979, p. 326). The types of deep-seated values that create problems for prejudice are those of fairness, justice, and the humane treatment of others as prescribed by the American Creed and Judeo-Christian values – values that Allport claimed are integral in our socialization as Americans. To the extent that people subscribe to these values, possessing group-based prejudices would by definition collide with them and would reveal those with such prejudices to be hypocrites. Being exposed as a hypocrite is, according to Allport, discomforting to people. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2081 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Modern antiblack bias stems from perceived value violations, not biological inferiority claims — Blake M. Riek, Eric W. Mania, and Samuel L. Gaertner, Intergroup Threat and Outgroup…, 32; Group prejudice collides with deeply socialized fairness values, exposing holders as hypocrites; Conflict between disavowed prejudice and egalitarian values drives avoidance of interracial contact (+10 more)

Broader Connections

• Internalized fairness values make group prejudice psychologically intolerable as hypocrisy #expands (0.95) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2081