Which of the following concepts refer to a rigid and irrational generalization about an entire category of people?

Chapter 9 Intercultural Challenges:

Recognizing & Dealing with Difference

A Philosophy of Change

The Brain is an Open System � we have the ability to learn and never stop learning.� We can also learn from each other.

We Have Free Choice � in most instances people choose what to do and what not to do.� The key is how we use those choices.

Communication Has a Consequence � when you communicate your actions leave a mark.� Improving your communication behavior demands that you take control of your actions.

Potential Problems in Intercultural Communication

Seeking Similarities � an overwhelming tendency in human nature is for us to seek out people who we perceive are much like us.� The problem arises when the pull of similarities is at the exclusion or even the elimination of those who are different.

Uncertainty Reduction � when strangers meet, their primary concern is one of uncertainty reduction or increasing predictability about the behavior of both themselves and others in the interaction.� There is greater uncertainty in our initial interactions with strangers than with people from our in-group.� If the amount of uncertainty present in initial interactions is not reduced, further communication between the people will most likely not take place.

Withdrawal � if you can not find similarities and/or fail to reduce uncertainty in a satisfactory manner, you are apt to withdraw from the communication event.� Retreat rather than confront.� Interaction can decrease conflict (p. 286)

Stereotyping � a complex form of categorization; mentally organizing your experiences; organizing images into fixed and simple categories that stand for an entire collection of people.

Developing Stereotypes � we are not born with them; we learn them.� Second, stereotypes develop through limited personal contact.� Third, many stereotypes are provided by the mass media.� Finally, stereotypes may evolve out of fear of persons from groups that differ from your own.

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Variations in Stereotyping � stereotypes vary in scope and magnitude; they can be positive or negative; some are strongly held while others are loosely held; usually narrow perceptions that jeopardize intercultural communication.

Problems in Stereotyping � they are the product of limited, lazy, and misguided perceptions; assumes that all members of a group have exactly the same trait(s); they are oversimplified.

Prejudice � a rigid and irrational generalization about a category of people; the emotional component of people�s reaction to other groups.

��������� Functions of Prejudice (p. 289)

������������������ Ego-Defensive function

������������������ Utilitarian function

������������������ Value-Expressive function

������������������ Knowledge function

��������� Expressions of Prejudice

������������������ Like stereotypes, prejudices are learned.

Knowing how your prejudice is manifested will help you identify your own prejudices. (see p. 290)

���������������������������� How Prejudices are Expressed:

Antilocution � talking about a member of the target group in negative and stereotypic terms.

Withdraw From Contact

Discrimination

Physical Attacks

Racism � an extension of prejudice; the belief that one racial category is innately superior to another; the belief that a group of people can be mistreated on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry; based on false premises.

Power � prejudice and racism are rooted in power.

Definition of power � the ability to control what happens; to cause things you want to happen and to block things you don�t want to happen.� Power usually involves controlling not only your own life, but also the lives of others.

Power & Intercultural Communication � much of the world is composed of cultures that do not seek individual power; power is not something they necessarily want, need, or have; Hindu, Mexican & Latin American cultures hold the view that in most instances, the legitimacy of power is irrelevant.

In order to increase our intercultural competence, we must become aware of each culture�s approach to power.

Culture Shock � the anxiety that results from losing all our familiar signs and symbols of social intercourse; these signs or cues include the thousand and one ways in which we orient ourselves to the situation of daily life.

Understanding Culture Shock � culture shock varies from individual to individual; it is characterized by depression, physical reactions (headaches, body pains), anger, irritability, aggression toward the new culture and withdrawal.

The Stages of Culture Shock (the U-Curve) � p. 296

The Honeymoon Phase � usually filled with excitement, optimism, and a sense of euphoria as the individual anticipates being exposed to a new culture.

Culture Shock Phase - the person becomes confused and baffled by his or her new surroundings.

Recovery Phase � characterized by gaining some understanding of the new culture; making some adjustments and modifications in how he or she is coping with the new culture.

Adjustment Phase � the person now understands the key elements of the new culture (values, special customs, beliefs, communication patterns, etc.) and can now function with some degree of success.

Learning from Culture Shock � culture shock can be a good teacher.

Ethnocentrism � the belief that one�s own culture is superior to any other; cultures are measured by the degree to which they live up to one�s own cultural standards; it is found in every culture; it is learned.

Which concept refers to a rigid and irrational generalization about an entire category of people?

What is the term for a rigid and irrational generalization about an entire category of people quizlet?

Which of the following concepts refers to a category of people?

Which of the following concepts refers to a socially constructed category of people who share biologically transmitted traits that a society defines as important?