Which source of prejudice is at work when the target group itself behaves in ways that confirm the negative expectations about it, and so keeps the prejudice going?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Self-fulfilling prophecy
Option (1) Kernel of truth concept — Incorrect. The kernel of truth concept is about the people who hold the stereotype. They keep it because they think there must be some truth in what everyone says, and a few examples satisfy them. The target group's own behaviour is not the source here.
Option (2) Self-fulfilling prophecy — Correct. In a self-fulfilling prophecy, the target group itself keeps the prejudice alive. Its members act in ways that confirm the negative expectations about them, and this strengthens the prejudice.
Option (3) Scapegoating — Incorrect. In scapegoating, the majority group blames a weak minority outgroup for its own social, economic or political problems. It is a way of expressing frustration; the minority does not confirm anything by its behaviour.
Option (4) Strong social identity and ingroup bias — Incorrect. Here people with a strong social identity boost the positive attitude to their own group by holding negative attitudes towards other groups. The prejudice starts in the ingroup.
NCERT (2026-27): “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. For example, if the target group is described as ‘dependent’ and therefore unable to make progress, the members of this target group may actually behave in a way that proves this description to be true. In this way, they strengthen the existing prejudice.” |