Some people keep holding a stereotype about another group because they feel that what everyone says about that group cannot be wholly baseless, and a few examples are enough for them to support it. Which source of prejudice does this show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Kernel of truth concept
Option (1) Scapegoating — Incorrect. Scapegoating is when the majority group blames a weaker minority outgroup for its own social, economic or political problems. The people here are not blaming anyone for their problems.
Option (2) Self-fulfilling prophecy — Incorrect. In a self-fulfilling prophecy, the <strong>target group itself</strong> behaves in ways that confirm the negative expectations. Here the behaviour described is of the people who hold the stereotype.
Option (3) A strong social identity and ingroup bias — Incorrect. Here people boost a very positive attitude towards their own group by holding negative attitudes towards other groups. The situation says nothing about pride in one's own group.
Option (4) Kernel of truth concept — Correct. The <strong>kernel of truth concept</strong> means people keep a stereotype because they think there must be <strong>some truth in what everyone says</strong> about the other group. Even a few examples are enough to support this idea, as in the situation.
NCERT (2026-27): “PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION … “• Kernel of truth concept : Sometimes people may continue to hold stereotypes because they think that, after all, there must be some truth, or ‘kernel of truth’ in what everyone says about the other group. Even a few examples are sufficient to support the ‘kernel of truth’ idea.” |