The cultural theory of prejudice states that prejudice is learned and passed down through cultural means.
Understanding the Cultural Theory of Prejudice
A key perspective within the cultural understanding of prejudice is known as Cultural Transmission Theory. According to this theory, individuals are not born prejudiced but rather are taught to be prejudiced through social norms and media.
This means that the prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes about different groups within a society's culture are absorbed by individuals as they grow and interact. These ideas are transmitted through various channels, including:
- Social Norms: Unspoken rules, customs, and shared behaviors within families, communities, and broader society that reflect existing prejudices.
- Media: Representation (or lack thereof) of different groups in television, movies, news, advertising, and other forms of media, which can perpetuate or challenge stereotypes.
Essentially, cultural transmission theory posits that prejudice is a form of social learning, acquired by individuals as they are socialized into their cultural environment. It highlights the powerful role that societal institutions and cultural practices play in shaping prejudiced attitudes and behaviors across generations.
