One Of The Objectives Of This Course Is To Push Students To ✓ Solved

One Of The Objectives Of This Course Is To Push Students To Evaluate T

Students will write a 5-7 page reflection paper that assesses their own preconceptions about issues or people, focusing on biases or prejudices they have internalized. The paper should include an introduction naming the specific prejudice or bias, definitions, relevant issues or groups, and any personal experiences that contributed to developing this bias. Students should analyze how they learned and internalized these prejudices, using relevant theories of human behavior such as system perspective, conflict perspective, social constructive perspective, and exchange and choice perspective. The reflection must cover how these beliefs influenced their behavior and worldview, and what steps they are taking to address or change these biases.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Prejudice and biases are pervasive elements that influence human interactions and perceptions. In this reflection, I explore my own bias against individuals experiencing homelessness—a prejudice I initially held due to societal stereotypes and misconceptions. Homelessness is often stigmatized, and my perceptions were shaped by media portrayals and community narratives that painted these individuals as irresponsible or undeserving.

My personal experience that contributed to this bias was an early encounter with a homeless individual who approached me for help. At first, I felt discomfort and suspicion, questioning their intentions and judging their circumstances. This encounter reinforced my preconceptions, which were further reinforced by my social environment and sources of information that emphasized individual failure rather than systemic issues.

Thoughts, Feelings, and Preconceived Notions

Initially, I viewed homeless individuals through a lens of pity tinged with disdain, believing that personal failings were largely responsible for their situation. I felt conflicted—aware of the social stigma but also holding on to stereotypes of irresponsibility and laziness. These preconceived notions created emotional barriers that prevented empathetic understanding and compassion.

Theories on Learned Bias and Prejudice Formation

To analyze how I learned this prejudice, I turn to relevant social theories. The social constructivist perspective suggests that our perceptions of reality are shaped through social interactions and cultural norms. My exposure to media and societal narratives contributed to constructing a negative image of homelessness. The conflict theory offers insight into how societal power structures marginalize vulnerable populations, perpetuating stereotypes that serve economic and political interests.

From a systems perspective, my bias can be seen as a product of social and institutional structures that reinforce stereotypes. The exchange and choice perspective explain how societal attitudes influence individual behaviors—my initial perceptions aligned with dominant societal discourses, reinforcing my bias over time.

Impact on Behavior and Worldview

This prejudice influenced my worldview by limiting my empathy and understanding of the systemic issues contributing to homelessness. It shaped my behavior in social interactions, leading to avoidance and reduced engagement with homeless individuals, thereby perpetuating social distance.

Steps Toward Change

Recognizing this bias, I have actively sought to counteract it through education and direct engagement. Volunteering at shelters and participating in community awareness programs have helped humanize homeless individuals and challenge my stereotypes. Reflection and continuous learning are essential in this process, aligning with the social learning theory that emphasizes behavioral change through new experiences and knowledge.

In conclusion, biases are learned and reinforced through social environments and institutional structures. By critically examining these influences and employing relevant theories, individuals can understand the roots of their prejudices and take active steps toward fostering empathy and social change.

References

• Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Addison-Wesley.
• Baron, R. A., & Byrne, D. (2005). Social psychology (10th ed.). Pearson.
• Fiske, S. T. (1998). Stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. In D. T. Gilbert, S. T. Fiske, & G. Lindzey (Eds.), The handbook of social psychology (4th ed., pp. 982–1026). McGraw-Hill.
• Hewstone, M., & Stroebe, W. (2008). Social psychology: An introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Jones, E. E., & Nisbett, R. E. (1972). The actor and the observer: Divergent perceptions of the causes of behavior. General Learning Press.
• Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, self, and society. University of Chicago Press.
• Murphy, K. R., & Davidshofer, C. O. (2005). Psychological testing: Principles and applications (6th ed.). Pearson.
• Schneider, D. J. (2016). The psychology of stereotyping and prejudice. Guilford Publications.
• Segal, C., & Azzarito, L. (2013). Social theories of human behavior. Routledge.
• Turner, J. C. (1982). Towards a cognitive redefinition of the social group. In J. C. Turner (Ed.), The social identity theory of intergroup behavior (pp. 15–40). Springer.