A state passes a strict law that punishes anyone who refuses jobs or housing to people on the basis of caste. Which of the following is the most likely effect of this law?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → It curbs the refusals, though the stereotypes and dislike may remain
Option (1) It first changes the stereotypes about the caste, and the refusals then fade — Incorrect. Stereotypes are the cognitive component of prejudice, the beliefs held about a group. A law acts on behaviour, and beliefs are harder to change, so the law does not change stereotypes first.
Option (2) It first removes the dislike felt for the caste, and the refusals then fade — Incorrect. Dislike or hatred is the affective component of prejudice. This feeling is also hard to change, and a law does not remove it before the refusals stop.
Option (3) It curbs the refusals, though the stereotypes and dislike may remain — Correct. Refusing jobs or housing is discrimination, the behavioural component of prejudice. Discriminatory behaviour can be curbed by law, but the cognitive and emotional components are more difficult to change, so the beliefs and dislike may stay.
Option (4) It curbs the refusals, and the stereotypes and dislike fade along with them — Incorrect. The law can curb the refusals, but stereotypes and dislike are the cognitive and emotional parts of prejudice. These are more difficult to change, so they do not fade along with the behaviour.
Note: Prejudice is the attitude and discrimination is the behaviour; one can exist without the other.
NCERT (2026-27): “PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION “Prejudices can exist without being shown in the form of discrimination. Similarly, discrimination can be shown without prejudice. Yet, the two go together very often. Wherever prejudice and discrimination exist, conflicts are very likely to arise between groups within the same society. Our own society has witnessed many deplorable instances of discrimination, with and without prejudice, based on gender, religion, community, caste, physical handicap, and illnesses such as AIDS. Moreover, in many cases discriminatory behaviour can be curbed by law. But, the cognitive and emotional components of prejudice are more difficult to change.” |