| Abstract: | Reviews the book, The nature of prejudice by Gordon W. Allport (1954). According to the reviewer, appearing almost simultaneously with the historic Supreme Court decision that ruled educational segregation unconstitutional, Allport's new book is a fitting synthesis of the voluminous research that has played no small part in the changing climate of informed opinion, now reflected in the judgment of the highest court. The reviewer states that readers' expectations of an Allport book will not be disappointed: it is lucid, scholarly yet simply stated, and a pleasure to read. It should communicate almost equally well to undergraduates, to concerned laymen, and to specialists. Prejudice is the main focus, although the work is not limited to the topic of prejudice so defined. The facts about group differences, including the repercussions of prejudice on its targets, are sifted. Due attention is given to discrimination and how it may be combated. And the causes of prejudice are explored from the successive standpoints of perceptual and cognitive theory, sociocultural and historical factors, acquisition and development, psychodynamics, and character structure. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
