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Understanding the Psychology of Diversity offers a highly accessible examination of diversity to show students how to understand social and cultural differences in today's society. Taking a psychological perspective, authors B. Evan Blaine and Kimberly J. McClure Brenchley explore how individuals construct their view of social diversity and how they are defined and influenced by it. The book covers traditional topics like categorization and stereotypes, sexism, racism, and social stigma, as well as non-traditional topics like sexual orientation-based prejudice, weight and appearance-based prejudice, diversity on television, and age stereotypes and ageism. The Fourth Edition confronts the credibility crisis that has surfaced in the academic psychological research community by following parameters for the research that is presented. "A clear, approachable text that covers issues related to diversity and prejudice, both in a broad sense and with a narrow focus on several examples (racism, sexism, etc.)."


"An easily readable introduction to the psychology of diversity, with clear discussions of relevant phenomena including stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination." -- Dory Schachner

Understanding the Psychology of Diversity

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 Introduction to the Psychology of Diversity

Diversity Is Social Difference

Making Sense of Diversity

The Psychology of Diversity: A Conceptual Framework

Summary

Chapter 2 Categorization and Stereotyping: Cognitive Processes That Shape Perceived Diversity

Social Categorization

The Neuropsychology of Categorization

Stereotyping

Consequences of Social Categorization and Stereotyping for Perceiving Diversity

Summary

Chapter 3 Stereotypes Expressed: Social Processes That Shape Diversity

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Stereotypes Expressed in the Media

Summary

Chapter 4 Prejudice: Evaluating Social Difference

Prejudice: Basic Concepts

Self-Esteem and Prejudice: Using Prejudice to Define and Defend Ourselves

Anxiety and Prejudice: Using Prejudice to Reassure Ourselves

Summary

Chapter 5 Understanding Racial Stereotypes and Racism

Race and Ethnicity

Racial Stereotypes

Racism

Summary

Chapter 6 Understanding Gender Stereotypes and Sexism

Gender Stereotypes

Gender Differences and Similarities

Explaining Gender Differences

Summary

Chapter 7 Sex Stereotypes and Heterosexism

Sexual Minority Categories and Sexual Orientation

Summary

Chapter 8 Obesity Stereotypes and Weightism

Obesity Stereotypes

Weightism: Weight-Based Prejudice and Discrimination

The Psychological and Social Consequences of Weightism

Summary

Chapter 9 Age Stereotypes and Ageism

Old-Age Categorization and Stereotyping

Old-Age Prejudice

Are Old-Age Stereotypes Self-Fulfilling Prophecies?

Discrimination of Older Workers

Summary

Chapter 10 Social Stigma: The Experience of Prejudice

Understanding Stigma: Basic Components

Dimensions That Affect Stigma

Implications of Stigma for Identity: Mindfulness and Stereotype Threat

Summary

Chapter 11 Coping With Social Stigma

Social Consequences of Stigma

Psychological Consequences of Stigma

Physical Consequences of Stigma

Positive Consequences of Stigma?

Coping With Prejudice: Stigma Management

Summary

Chapter 12 Responding to Social Inequality: Behavioral and Cognitive Interventions for Reducing Prejudice

Behavioral Interventions

Cognitive Interventions

Summary

References

Index

About the Authors