Self-Image Maintenance and Prejudice

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the literature on prejudice and self-image in order to determine how comprehensive the protection given by a strong self-image can be in respect to prejudice. The paper discusses how self-esteem and self-image are separate constructs and examines racism and gender in relation to self-image. The paper also discusses how it is highly probable that a target of prejudice with a strong self-image will be less likely to suffer psychological or emotional harm from prejudice, but he may still feel the effects of prejudice. The paper concludes that it is necessary to engage in further study in which a narrow focus is used to identify the impact of prejudice on a specific population, such as either gender or race.

Outline:
Introduction
Self-Esteem and Self-Image
Racism and Self-Image
Gender and Self-Image
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The study of prejudice and its impact on the individual has been well-documented in the literature. It is recognized that prejudice is both expressed and responded to in multiple forms, suggesting that it is feasibly impossible to prepare for all social interactions in which prejudice is exhibited (Owens, Stryker, & Goodman, 2001; Kernis, 2006). This in turn indicates that the person who is targeted by a display of prejudice is likely to be affected by it, and that the impact that prejudice has upon the person depends upon the type of prejudice displayed and the character of the person who has been targeted by it."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anderson, D. Y. & Hayes, C. L. (1996). Gender, Identity, and Self-Esteem: A New Look at Adult Development. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
• Hogg, M. A., & Abrams, D. (1990). Social Identifications: A social psychology of intergroup relations. New York: Routledge.
• Kernis, M. (2006). Self-Esteem: Issues and Answers. New York: Psychology Press.
• Mruk, C. J. (2006). Self-Esteem Research, Theory, and Practice: Towards a Positive Psychology of Self-Esteem (3rd Edition). New York: Springer Publishing Co.
• Owens, T. J., Stryker, S., & Goodman, N. (2001). Extending Self-Esteem Theory and Research: Sociological and Psychological Currents. Cambridge (UK): Cambridge University Press.

More papers on Self-Image Maintenance and Prejudice:

• Essay # 10076 : "The Effect of Self-image Maintenance on Prejudice"
• Research Proposal # 105146 : "Women's Self Image in the Modern Media"
• Analytical Essay # 132556 : "Self-Image and its Effects on Prejudice"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: