Sometimes people may continue to hold stereotypes because they think that, after all there must be some truth. This concept is appropriately termed as-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Kernel of truth
Option (1) Group think — Incorrect. Groupthink is a group process marked by the appearance of consensus or unanimous agreement within a group; no one voices a different opinion, and the group makes uncritical decisions. It is about decision making, not about holding stereotypes.
Option (2) Group Polarization — Incorrect. Group polarisation is the strengthening of the group’s initial position as a result of group interaction and discussion. It describes how discussion hardens a view, not why a stereotype is believed.
Option (3) Self-fulfilling prophecy — Incorrect. Here the target group itself behaves in ways that justify the prejudice; a group described as dependent may actually behave in a dependent way. The question is about why the people who hold the stereotype keep it, not about how the target group behaves.
Option (4) Kernel of truth — Correct. Sometimes people continue to hold stereotypes because they think that, after all, there must be some truth, or a ‘kernel of truth’, in what everyone says about the other group. Even a few examples are enough to support this idea.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 15-06-2023 (Slot 3).
NCERT (2025-26): “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.…” “Prejudice and Discrimination … Self-fulfilling prophecy : In some cases, the group that is the target of prejudice is itself responsible for continuing the prejudice. The target group may behave in ways that justify the prejudice, that is, confirm the negative expectations.…” |