Final answer:
A negative opinion about groups based on certain traits is called prejudice, often resulting in discrimination. Such attitudes can be based on stereotypes, which are overgeneralized beliefs about a group. Empathy is essential to counteract prejudice, while discrimination includes negative behaviors such as racism and sexism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination:
A negative opinion about groups of individuals based on certain traits is referred to as prejudice, and it can manifest in the form of stereotypes—simplistic and often negative beliefs about members of a group. Prejudice often leads to discrimination, which are negative actions toward individuals due to their group membership. This behavior is informed by dispositionism, an idea in personality psychology that suggests our actions are influenced by internal factors, like personality traits and temperament. An important ability to counteract prejudice is empathy, the capacity to understand and feel what another person experiences from their perspective.
Prejudice can cover a range of negative opinions, including those based on race, culture, sex, age, or sexuality. Examples of these prejudiced attitudes are racism, sexism, ageism, and heterosexism. Notably, racism is a type of prejudice and discrimination aimed at individuals based on their racial group, often involving unfounded associations of certain traits, such as intelligence, with racial characteristics like skin color.
Positive and Negative Effects of Group Affiliation:
While not all group affiliations are negative and can sometimes be positive, the existence of in-groups and out-groups can lead to unethical behaviors like ethnocentrism and the previously mentioned forms of discrimination. Stereotypes have the effect of overgeneralizing and can lead to biased treatment, exclusion, and avoidance of individuals based on their group affiliation. Conversely, people can also demonstrate positive behaviors towards those with shared characteristics, such as gender, race, or even preferred sports teams.