Sociology 2253A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Bogardus Social Distance Scale, The Authoritarian Personality, Theodor W. Adorno
Document Summary
How do we explain hate motivated crimes: some theoretical perspectives. Prejudice is a learned response we learn from others --- often hate crimes are committed by males. Cuture of prejudice has been in the us for over 600 yrs. Can be learned by associating with other prejudice models not necessarily by contact with the minorities some people hate certain groups without even knowing any of them. Also learn excuses and justifications for committing hate crimes ex. victim deserves it because ___ -- not ok. Suggests that learning also includes techniques for committing hate motivated crimes ex. learn how to destroy properties: scapegoat theory (of prejudice and discrimination) Hate crime can be displaced aggression ex. economic recession and people look for a scapegoat to blame for loss of jobs minorities are considered easy targets for racists. For a minority group to be a suitable scapegoat it should have at least 3 visible/distinguishing racial or cultural traits.