Identity & Prejudice - PSY00108M
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
Social groups matter. They help us survive, satisfy our need to belong, and give us reference points for meaning making. They also structure the social world around us and contribute to our understanding of who we are in relation to others. However, membership in social groups can also have negative consequences, ranging from a preferential treatment of our own groups to outgroup discrimination and violence. This module aims to provide an overview of psychological approaches to social identity and prejudice. We will explore theories of intergroup relations to understand why racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and discrimination are so persistent. We will discuss how psychological research can contribute to our understanding of immigration, extremism, and intergroup violence. Finally, we will analyze different approaches to prejudice reduction and discuss their potential for real-life interventions.
Module learning outcomes
- Describe and critically evaluate major theoretical approaches to explaining prejudice
- Give an account of key findings in each of the topics covered
- Compare the benefits and limitations of different approaches to prejudice reduction
- Critically evaluate the implications and limitations of these findings for social change
Module content
- Evolutionary origins of groups and prejudice
- Psychological approaches to prejudice
- Stereotypes and prejudice
- Complexities of social identity
- Migration and acculturation
- Intergroup violence
- Prejudice reduction
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.
Indicative reading
Brown, R. (2010). Prejudice: Its Social Psychology, 2nd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.