In the idyllic town of Harmonyville, a series of incidents unfolded, revealing the deep-rooted presence of prejudice and discrimination. The local community witnessed subtle acts of exclusion, stereotyping, and unequal treatment. Tom, an ambitious entrepreneur, was denied a loan due to his ethnicity, highlighting institutional discrimination. Sarah, a skilled professional, faced gender bias, receiving lower wages than her male counterparts. Furthermore, the marginalized immigrant population experienced social exclusion and faced linguistic discrimination, curtailing their opportunities for growth. Psychological concepts like implicit bias and stereotype threat perpetuated these discriminatory behaviors. Prejudice, influenced by societal norms and learned biases, fueled these unjust practices. The bystander effect hindered community members from actively challenging discrimination, as they feared social repercussions. The case of Harmonyville highlights the urgent need for education, awareness campaigns, and inclusive policies to combat prejudice and discrimination. By fostering empathy, promoting cultural diversity, and encouraging open dialogue, the town could embark on a transformative journey towards equality and social harmony.

What does the term "scapegoating" refer to in the context of prejudice?

Holding negative attitudes towards one's own group Placing blame on a minority group for societal problems Confirming negative expectations about a target group All of the above

Placing blame on a minority group for societal problems

Scapegoating: This phenomenon occurs when a majority group blames a minority outgroup for its own social, economic, or political problems. The targeted minority group lacks the power or numbers to defend itself against such accusations. Scapegoating is a collective expression of frustration and often results in negative attitudes or prejudices against the weaker group.