People publicly express more or less prejudice than they privately hold.
Evidence
The research we have reviewed to this point is consistent with the idea that norms can either create or reduce prejudice. But internalized norms frequently conflict with external norms, especially when the social dynamic is in flux. As a result, people do not always act on their inner beliefs. This conflict cuts both ways – sometimes people express more prejudice than they believe is proper (for instance, when they agree with or fail to confront others who are acting in prejudicial ways), and other times they may express less prejudice than they believe proper (for instance, when they invoke principles of political correctness or endorse affirmative-action policies even when they do not agree with them). — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1906 (
#expands, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Anti-Semites merely voice a society whose official norms legitimize prejudice — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 1791; People voice fearful knowledge privately but suppress it in public interview settings. — Nina Eliasoph, “Close to home”: The work of avoiding…, 151; Public-spiritedness diminishes as expression moves from backstage to frontstage. — Nina Eliasoph, Avoiding politics: how Americans…, 655 (+12 more)
Broader Connections
- Expression of prejudice diverges from private belief depending on perceived social norms.
#expands(0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1906 - People can hold prejudiced beliefs they are unaware of having
#complicates(0.78)