Prejudice is a normal product of categorization, not sick motives

Evidence

Allport (1954/1979) argued that prejudice can be entirely normal. He also recognized that prejudice can be irrational. But his contentions in chapter 2 (“The Normality of Prejudgment”) effectively undermined the intuitive view that prejudice is solely the product of sick motives and anticipated psychology’s cognitive revolution by analyzing prejudice as a product of normal categorization processes, merely applied to people. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 282 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

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: Prejudiced people are normal because they are well adapted to their culture. — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 1834; Categorization that grounds prejudice is normal and unavoidable mental functioning.; Social categorization is a normal, inevitable mental process underlying prejudice — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 107 (+6 more)

Broader Connections

• Prejudice arises from normal cognition, not abnormal pathology #corroborates (0.98) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 282
• Social categorization is a normal, inevitable mental process underlying prejudice #corroborates (0.97) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 107
• Prejudice is a universal inheritance of normal cognition, not abnormal impulse. #corroborates (0.96) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 285
• Prejudice was reframed as a normal process, not pathology #corroborates (0.92)