The theoretical approach that suggests stereotypes lead to prejudice, which then leads to
discrimination is based on several scientific and academic theories. Key among these are:
Social Cognition Theory: This theory examines how people process, store, and apply
information about others and social situations. Stereotypes are viewed as cognitive shortcuts
that simplify social reality. According to this theory, stereotypes (cognitive component) can
lead to prejudice (affective component), which in turn may manifest as discrimination
(behavioral component).
Stereotype Content Model (SCM): Developed by Fiske, Cuddy, Glick, and Xu in 2002, this
model suggests that stereotypes are based on two core dimensions: warmth and
competence. Depending on how groups are perceived along these dimensions, different
emotions (e.g., pity, envy, disgust) are elicited, which can lead to different forms of prejudice
and discrimination.
Social Identity Theory: Proposed by Tajfel and Turner in the 1970s, this theory suggests
that individuals strive to improve their self-image by enhancing their self-esteem, based on
personal identity and group membership. This theory explains how in-group (us) versus
out-group (them) distinctions lead to prejudice and discrimination, as individuals favor their
in-group over out-groups to boost their self-esteem.
System Justification Theory: This theory, proposed by Jost and Banaji in 1994, suggests
that people have a need to view the social, economic, and political systems they live in as
fair, legitimate, and just. This need leads to the endorsement of stereotypes, prejudices, and
discrimination that justify and maintain the status quo.
Prejudice as an Attitude: Prejudice is often studied as an attitude that includes cognitive
(stereotypes), affective (feelings), and behavioral (discriminatory actions) components. This
approach suggests that changing one component can influence the others, thereby providing
a pathway to reduce prejudice and discrimination.
Contact Hypothesis: Proposed by Allport in 1954, this hypothesis suggests that under
certain conditions, direct contact between members of different groups can reduce prejudice.
This theory has implications for understanding how intergroup interactions can potentially
decrease stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
Implicit Bias Theory: This approach focuses on the unconscious biases people hold
against other groups. These biases can influence behavior independently of a person's
conscious beliefs, potentially leading to discriminatory behaviors even in the absence of
overt prejudice.