Final answer:
Prejudice is a baseless negative attitude towards someone based on their social group membership, leading to unfair treatment. Examples include gender discrimination in employment and racial discrimination in housing. These prejudiced views can result in discriminatory actions that impact various aspects of an individual's life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual that is based solely on one's membership in a particular social group, such as their race, ethnicity, nationality, or another characteristic. This preconceived notion, often unfounded, can lead to unfair judgments and treatment.
Two examples of prejudice would be:
- An employer who believes a job candidate is unsuitable for a position because of their gender, even without considering the individual's qualifications or experience. This is an example of gender discrimination.
- A landlord who refuses to rent to someone based on ethnic background, subscribing to stereotypes without regard for the person's actual character or history as a tenant. This illustrates racial discrimination.
These acts of prejudice can lead to discrimination, which is the unjust treatment of individuals due to their membership in a particular group. Historical examples include signs that barred entry to individuals of Polish descent or the segregation of African-Americans during the Jim Crow era. Contemporary examples include homophobia and transphobia, which manifest in denying LGBTQ+ individuals equal rights or opportunities.