Prejudice is transmitted through the same conformity pressures as any social norm

Evidence

Following the norms of prejudice is just as pervasive and effortless as following any other social norm. In many ways, conformity to prevailing ethnic, racial, religious, and other beliefs is no different than driving on the right side of the road, paying for items in stores, or acting pleasantly to one’s boss. To the extent that people want to belong to social groups they must adhere to the rules, and new group members will want to – and work to – conform; although they might initially merely “act the part,” they will eventually come to internalize the group’s attitudes and make them their own (Crandall, Eshleman, & O’Brien, 2002; Sherif & Sherif, 1953). — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1900

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to Milgrom’s reputation/trading community work — conformity as the enforcement mechanism that makes norms stick.
• ADDENDUM: Supports the ‘On Sacrifice’ article’s account of how cultural norms (like suttee) are maintained — people internalize group attitudes through conformity.