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7: The Influences of Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

  • Page ID
    316678
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    Learning Objectives

    After this chapter, you should be able to:

    • Define what stereotypes are and how to dispel them.
    • Articulate how hate can be unlearned.
    • Describe and understand the role of culture.
    • Explore how to find accurate information and gain essential knowledge of culture.
    • Gain and understand the challenges created by poverty regardless of racial and ethnic background.
    • Explore messages children see and hear in childcare settings.
    • Practice culturally responsive care.
    • Address cultural relevance in making curriculum choices and adaptations.

    • 7.1: Introduction
      This page examines the effects of stereotypes, noting their role in spreading misinformation and fostering learned hate, which can be unlearned. It underscores the importance of obtaining accurate information through reciprocal family relationships and highlights the need to consider cultural contexts in early childhood development and learning. Recognizing the influence of culture on development and childrearing practices is crucial for effective education and child development strategies.
    • 7.2: Thoughts Become Behaviors
      This page explores the connections among stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, explaining how cognitive beliefs influence attitudes and behaviors. It defines stereotypes as broad generalizations that can foster prejudice, which are negative views based on group identity. Discrimination is described as the actions resulting from such prejudicial beliefs.
    • 7.3: Hate is Learned and Can Be "Unlearned"
      This page discusses how prejudice and discrimination are learned behaviors in children, influenced by societal norms. It emphasizes that children are not born with these biases but acquire them through socialization. Early care professionals play a vital role in addressing negative attitudes and promoting diversity. Encouraging discussions about differences is important, as they do not increase prejudice.
    • 7.4: Rights of the Child
      This page discusses the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing that all children deserve equal treatment free from prejudice and societal inequities. It notes how biases related to race, gender, or class negatively impact children's lives and stresses the need for awareness of these issues for healthy development.
    • 7.5: What Children See and Hear in Child Care Settings
      This page emphasizes the significance of visual and auditory environments in early childhood education, highlighting their influence on children's identity and bias perceptions. Children as young as six months begin recognizing skin color differences, and exposure to both accurate and stereotypical representations affects their self-concept and attitudes.
    • 7.6: Socialization in Two Cultures
      This page emphasizes the significance of outside-the-home group and family care in child-rearing, noting that exposure to different cultural contexts affects children's development. It highlights the importance of cultural continuity for children’s adjustment, warning that mismatched home and program cultures can harm their sense of security.
    • 7.7: Summary
      This page discusses how stereotypes contribute to prejudice and discrimination, including racism, sexism, and ableism. It emphasizes that prejudice is learned and can be unlearned through education, highlighting the importance of teaching children accurate information to combat biases. Early education settings are noted for their impact on children's self-perception and cultural continuity.


    This page titled 7: The Influences of Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Miachelle Andrade.