What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?

The distinction between prejudice and discrimination is fundamental in social psychology. Prejudice refers to the preconceived negative attitudes or feelings individuals may hold toward a group or its members, often based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or other social categories. It is an internal belief or emotional stance that can manifest as bias against the group.

Discrimination, on the other hand, is the behavioral aspect that arises from those prejudiced feelings. It involves taking action against individuals or groups based on one's prejudiced beliefs, leading to unfair treatment or exclusion. For instance, if someone harbors negative feelings about a particular demographic group, that prejudice might lead them to avoid interacting with individuals from that group or treating them unfairly in various contexts, like hiring practices or social situations.

Understanding this relationship clarifies that prejudice is about attitudes and feelings, while discrimination is about actions and outcomes stemming from those attitudes. This framework is critical in social psychology as it helps in analyzing how beliefs translate into behaviors and the resulting impact on societal interactions and inequalities.