Recent and ongoing examples of prejudice in modern society are homosexual people receiving prejudice from the rest of society. Another example is Muslim people receiving prejudice from society. This prejudice can amount to violent and destructive actions and peoples’ quality of life in their societies diminishing. Prejudice is unfair and uncalled for in this modern society; therefore reducing it and therefore reducing discrimination is seen as a main aim.
The Intergroup contact theory states that a way of reducing prejudice is by increasing the contact between the ‘out’ and ‘in’ groups. This relates back to the Social Identity theory where these two groups are formed as a result of prejudice. The Intergroup Contact theory believes that if six specific criteria are met, for example, the two groups needing to depend on each other and the groups having common goals, the prejudice between them will diminish. For example, if Muslims and Non-Muslims interacted under these six criteria, the prejudice between them would reduce.
The Collective Action theory which again is based on the Social Identity Theory of ‘in’ groups and ‘out’ groups follows the idea that in reality, one of the two groups will have more power in today’s society. For example people who are Heterosexual will be seen to be in an opposing group to Homosexual people. Therefore the homosexual people are a minority and face prejudice. This model sees this as a good thing as it means they can campaign together to stop being targeted and collectively abolish the prejudice against them.
It is unlikely however, that the six criteria for the intergroup contact theory will be met realistically as they are near impossible. It is also unlikely that two opposing groups will be willing to depend, interact and trust each other, making areas of this theory invalid. However this theory has a very good message ethically as it does not for one minute condone prejudice as being acceptable as some other theories do.
The collective action theory of reducing prejudice is one which has been used to great effect in the past for example, campaigns, protests and demonstrations for Gay rights which build morale and self-esteem for the people included in that group which is important for them as humans. This theory also devotes itself to totally eliminating prejudice and is very sound ethically. There is past examples of this theory not working for example the miners’ protests and changes made through this medium can often take years to have effect. This theory is, however, more easily accessible and realistic to make a change to levels of prejudice in today’s society.
