In your opinion, is it difficult to accurately measure prejudice? Why or Why not? Describe other measurements sociologists use to calculate prejudice.

Answer 1

Prejudice is an attitude. However, those with prejudiced attitudes will vary in their behavioral expression of these attitudes depending their targets and on their situations and cultures.

Here are some articles that might also be helpful:

http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/PrejudiceCauseSolution.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/Prejudice.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/PrejudiceChanges.html
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/PrejudiceUsThem.html

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.

Answer 2

It is my opinion that it is difficult to measure prejudice within the terms of accuracy. I contend that the IAT (automatic responses) testing and similar methods of study may not accurately depict an individual’s truest form. Through conscious and unconscious actions, individuals have the capability of deemphasizing their truest personal prejudices and characteristics. Additionally, among other factors, outside pressures, anxiety and an individual’s desire of to remain within the “political norms” of society may all adversely contribute the outcome of such personal prejudice tests or surveys. While a person may be tested as being non- prejudicial or assert he or she is non-prejudicial, his or her true nature may be revealed in the form of implicit acts e.g., sitting away from someone while on a bus and avoiding eye contact. Thus, I reiterate, it is my personal opinion that prejudice cannot be measured accurately.

Answer 3

Describe other measurements sociologist use to calculate prejudice.