Final answer:
Prejudice and discrimination exist due to social learning and conformity to societal norms, affecting interactions in society and competitive markets. Influential social figures and media play a role in perpetuating these attitudes. Education and contact with diverse groups can reduce prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea presented in Lumen's Introduction to Psychology on why prejudice and discrimination exist is that these behaviors and attitudes are learned through socialization and are perpetuated by conformity to social norms. People, including children, learn prejudiced attitudes from influential sources such as parents, teachers, friends, media, and social media. Societal norms create pressures to conform, which can maintain and spread prejudiced beliefs and discriminatory actions.
Furthermore, the persistence of discrimination in competitive markets is examined, discussing the economic consequences faced by firms that oppose societal norms of discrimination. Gary Becker's insights highlight that discriminatory impulses affect not only personal interactions but also business operations at various levels, including managers, workers, and customers. Finally, the discussion recognizes that while stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination are commonly negative, individuals can also exhibit positive feelings toward their in-group members.
Education, contact, and building relationships with members of different cultural groups are cited as potential ways to reduce prejudice. The negative impact of prejudice and discrimination on individuals and society is a recurring theme across various contexts, such as education, law enforcement, government, healthcare, and the economy.