Social categorization makes prejudgment an unavoidable normal mental process
Evidence
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)
Allport provided a unique insight into the psychology of prejudice – how fundamental and adaptive cognitive and motivational processes can often contribute to the development and maintenance of prejudice. One of the most basic processes is social categorization. Allport (1954/1979) wrote: “The human mind must think with the aid of categories… . Categories are the basis for normal prejudgment. We cannot possibly avoid this process” (p. 20). — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 533 (
#corroborates, via linked claim)
Allport anticipated the rapid, thoughtless, even automatic nature of categorization, and its link to prejudices: “The human mind must think with the aid of categories … We cannot possibly avoid this process … [that] results inevitably in prejudgments” (Allport, 1954/1979, pp. 20, 24, italics added). Social psychologists and their lay audiences have been shocked by how rapidly categories cue ingroup advantages to us and match outgroup stereotypes to them. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 297 (
#expands, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Categorization that grounds prejudice is normal and unavoidable mental functioning.; Open-mindedness is impossible because thought requires preexisting categories; Categorical thinking makes prejudgment unavoidable and even functional. (+5 more)
Broader Connections
- Social categorization is a normal, inevitable mental process underlying prejudice
#corroborates(0.97) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 107 - Categorization is an unavoidable cognitive basis for prejudgment.
#corroborates(0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 533 - Categorization inherently produces prejudgment that cannot be avoided
#expands(0.92) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 297