The Psychology of Social Stigma

3 units

This seminar aims to introduce students to theoretical and empirical social psychological research on prejudice and social stigma. The topics covered will include examinations of why individuals stigmatize by exploring cognitive, evolutionary, self and system justification explanations. The course will examine the effects of stigmatization for low-status groups (i.e., stereotype threat, dis-identification, compensation and health outcomes). We will explore the role of stigma in intergroup interactions and variations in the experience of stigma. Finally, we will examine high-status groups' perceptions of bias (e.g., perceptions of anti-white discrimination). Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Psychological & Brain Sciences or related field with permission of instructor.