The goal of reducing prejudice can be accomplished by :

(A) Correcting stereotypes related to specific target group
(B) Highlighting group identity
(C) Tackling problem of a strong in-group bias
(D) Increasing intergroup contact
(E) Not highlighting individual identity

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

(A), (C), (D) Only

The initial step in effectively addressing prejudice involves gaining knowledge about its causes or origins. Consequently, the strategies employed to handle prejudice would be successful if they focus on (goals):

(a) Minimizing opportunities that facilitate the acquisition of prejudiced beliefs.

(b) Altering such attitudes that contribute to prejudice.

(c) Deprioritizing a narrow social identity centered around the ingroup.

(d) Discouraging the tendency towards selffulfilling prophecy among the victims of prejudice.

These goals can be accomplished through :

• Education and information dissemination, for correcting stereotypes related to specific target groups, and tackling the problem of a strong ingroup bias.

• Increasing intergroup contact allows for direct communication, removal of mistrust between the groups, and even discovery of positive qualities in the outgroup. However, these strategies are successful only if : - the two groups meet in a cooperative rather than competitive context, - close interactions between the groups helps them to know each other better, and - the two groups are not different in power or status.

• Highlighting individual identity rather than group identity, thus weakening the importance of group (both ingroup and outgroup) as a basis of evaluating the other person. More details about social identity and intergroup conflict have been presented in the next chapter on Social Influence and Group Processes.