Final answer:
Prejudice can potentially be reduced by enforcing anti-discrimination laws, as legal frameworks like the Civil Rights Act aim to combat discriminatory behaviors. However, these laws must be accompanied by additional measures to address the persistent societal and economic factors that continue to enable discrimination in the marketplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hypothesis that prejudice can be eliminated by enforcing laws against discrimination points towards the notion that legal measures can deter discriminatory behaviors and potentially shift societal norms. Public policies such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 exemplify attempts to establish a legal framework to combat discrimination. However, these laws alone may not suffice, as discrimination often persists due to societal attitudes and practices that can undermine their effectiveness.
Studies have shown that legal reforms, such as those involving same-sex marriage, can reduce bias amongst individuals and improve outcomes for marginalized groups. Yet, discrimination is not solely an issue of individual prejudice but also involves broader social patterns and systemic issues. Gary Becker's work explains that discriminatory behavior can also stem from economic incentives—where managers, workers, and customers contribute to maintaining discriminative practices due to their own biases.
To further bridge the earnings gap and reduce workplace discrimination, complementary policies, alongside anti-discrimination laws, are necessary. These may include effective enforcement mechanisms, educational programs to reduce bias, and institutional changes to address systemic discrimination. Ultimately, the law is a tool that must work hand-in-hand with broader social change efforts to effectively eradicate prejudice and achieve equality.