A Place in the World: Self and Social Categorization

Social and economic inequality and prejudice against those who are disadvantaged have occurred in almost all societies. Although the magnitude of inequality differs across societies and in societies over time, almost every society has differences in economic resources, power, and social regard available to groups in that society. Social inequality and prejudice have many pernicious effects on disadvantaged individuals, and our focus on self-esteem does not imply that this feeling is the most important consequence of prejudice and inequality. Social psychological theories of the effects of social inequality on self-esteem have been predicated on the assumption that members of groups that are disadvantaged are aware of their disadvantaged state. African Americans are well aware of the history of discrimination against their group and thus socialize their children to find other sources of esteem. African American parents often teach their children that others are prejudiced against them and that prejudice should not affect ones self-worth.