Prejudice: Its Social Psychology, 2nd Edition

The second edition of Prejudice provides a comprehensive treatment of the subject, introducing the major theoretical ideas as well as providing a critical analysis of recent developments.

Brown tackles prejudice from a social psychological perspective, viewing it primarily as a phenomenon originating in group processes but shaping individuals’ behavior and perceptions. As well as looking at intergroup dynamics, he outlines all the major research that has attempted to understand prejudice, including classical personality accounts, developmental approaches, and socio-cognitive research focussing on categorization and stereotyping. Most importantly of all, he assesses research into practical ways in which prejudice can be combated and reduced. Throughout, Brown illustrates the text with examples of different kinds of prejudice drawn from current affairs and everyday life.

Fully updated throughout, this edition includes a new chapter on prejudice from the victim’s perspective, and expansion of the notions of explicit and implicit manifestations of prejudice. Supported by chapter summaries and suggestions for further reading, this text will be welcomed by both teachers and their students as a balanced and readable introduction to this troubling and persistent social phenomenon.