Prejudice becomes visible and debated only when disadvantaged groups seek upward mobility
Evidence
Social forces operate in concert with these psychological processes to perpetuate prejudice. When social hierarchies are stable, with groups occupying their accustomed social roles, the stereotypes that reflect these roles and the structural barriers that shore up these stereotypes crush most all aspirations for roles that are atypical of one’s group (see Jackman, this volume). Without noticeable aspirations on the part of members of disadvantaged groups, prejudice is not generally acknowledged as a social problem. However, as subgroups from disadvantaged groups attempt to move upward into more advantaged roles and have at least a modicum of success, prejudice not only becomes more visible but also becomes acknowledged and debated. Prejudice against group members who enter nontraditional roles dissipates only after large numbers of newcomers prove their success in the new roles and thereby change the stereotype through which they are perceived. Nonetheless, consistent with Allport’s views about the inflexibility of stereotypes, social perceivers do not relinquish their stereotypes in response to limited exposure to disconfirming information. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 225
Categorization
- SEED: Article angle: ‘Prejudice is invisible while oppression is quiet’ — the idea that recognition of injustice requires visible aspiration/entry attempts, not mere harm.
- corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 225
- XREF: connects to: Collective guilt is contested through ideological debate between privileged and disadvantaged groups. — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 592