SOCI 230 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Social Psychology
Document Summary
Conditions of initial contact set the stage for social positioning. Dominant group has power to define and redefine relations with subordinate groups. Definition (characterization & feelings) - formal/ informal interaction and communication among dominant groups. Image of subordinate racial group (s) not constructed from individual experience. Collective image is abstract and not the result of generalizing individual encounters (whether positive or negative) with subordinate group members. Characterization of subordinate groups (i. e. stereotypes) can be powerful and difficult to dispel. Racial group images formed in public arenas by elites and interest groups: Can be constructed or defined along big events. Subordinate race is inherently different and alien (distances, how similar you feel to another group: bigger social instance the less likely there will be interactions) Proprietary claim to certain areas of privilege and advantage. Fear/ suspicion that have subordinate races have negative intentions to usurp social positions of dominant race.
