Tips for Reducing Prejudice: Q&A With Linda Tropp, Ph.D.

Stories From the Field

Tips for Reducing Prejudice: Q&A With Linda Tropp, Ph.D.

Linda Tropp, Ph.D., is a professor of social psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and coauthor of the study that inspired this toolkit.

SPARQ: Why do you study prejudice?

Tropp: I grew up in Gary, Indiana, during the Black Liberation Movement of the 1970s. Being in the White Jewish minority inspired my interest in intergroup relations.

SPARQ: In addition to the four guidelines your research reveals, what additional tips can you share about fighting prejudice?

Tropp:

1. Be aware of the the different between-group and within-group attitudes and tensions present, and address these diverse points of view.
2. Know that different groups might have different levels of awareness. You cannot assume that everyone is fully knowledgeable about the tensions in their community, but also cannot assume they do not recognize their presence.
3. Understand that majority groups may feel attacked or defensive when forced to address their own privilege. It is important to stay sensitive to the needs of your environment.
4. Use clear explanations of values and intentions. Prejudice is built on false assumptions. Using clear language to illuminate assumptions is a powerful tool to help individuals see eye-to-eye.
5. Realize the importance of intersectionality — the overlapping of systems of disadvantage. For example, women collectively deal with prejudice, but within the female gender, women of color deal with additional pressures. This overlap is important when thinking about people’s unique perspectives.