What is implicit prejudice?

Implicit prejudice refers to social preferences or biases that individuals may hold unconsciously, meaning they are not actively aware of these biases and they cannot control them easily. This concept is significant in social psychology because it highlights how attitudes and judgments can be influenced by societal norms and personal experiences that operate outside of our conscious awareness.

People may find that they hold biases or preferences that contrast with their stated beliefs or values. Implicit attitudes are often measured through indirect assessments, such as the Implicit Association Test, which reveals underlying biases that would not be expressed explicitly. These unconscious biases can affect behavior in various ways, contributing to social discrimination without the individual being aware of it.

Understanding implicit prejudice is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate bias in various settings, including education, health care, and law enforcement. This insight helps to illustrate the complexities of human thought and behavior, emphasizing that our actions and attitudes can be shaped by external influences that we do not consciously recognize.