This is a social psychology class.
REMEMBER, ANSWER ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROMPTS (there are 3 to choose from). I am providing you with a choice, so answer the question that you are best prepared to answer. I expect a DETAILED and informed answer, not a brief checklist or bullet points. You should be writing about 5 decent-sized paragraphs, providing a detailed answer. However, DO NOT pad your answer with unnecessary information, but provide substance and make sure you are really answering all parts of the question (questions tend to specify things you must address for full credit).
CHOOSE ONLY 1 of the following 3 prompts to answer:
1. Dual Process Model (RWA and SDO). This question describes made-up situations with fictional groups. Use the Dual Process Model and research on RWA and SDO to figure whether a person high in SDO or a person high in RWA would tend to be strongly prejudiced against each group and why based on the group’s specific characteristics (see below for specific questions to answer).
Fictional group/situation descriptions:
(a) The Danerians, an immigrant group, are very eager to assimilate to U.S. culture. They speak English, and wish to fit in with American customs, attitudes, and values. Religiously, they are Christians, with conservative social attitudes. As a rule, they have very marketable skills that make them highly competitive for many jobs. They happen to be immigrating to the U.S. during an economic downturn in which job competition has ramped up.
(b) The Sandrians are a rapidly growing new religious group that has drawn believers from people of all social classes. Their religious values are unconventional. They are very socially liberal, discourage traditional marriage, encourage more fluid sexuality (e.g., they endorse polyamorous relationships and reject gender as binary or fixed).
Using the Dual Process Model as a theoretical perspective, answer the following: Based on each group’s characteristics, would people high in RWA or SDO or both tend to show especially strong prejudice toward this group? WHY? Be sure to contrast the underlying motives and worldviews associated with SDO and RWA to support your answers as you detail why one and NOT the other OR BOTH (but for different reasons) would tend to generate prejudice toward each group (you need to go into some depth).
OR
2. Evolutionary Theory vs Stereotype Content Model. These theories suggest different attitudes and feelings toward a person with a visible disability (e.g., someone confined to a wheelchair, who has a withered arm, or a droopy face due to a stroke). Compare and contrast what the evolutionary approach (as described in the book chapter) and the stereotype content model (described in class) predict about how people would perceive others with a disability. For the stereotype content model, assume that disabled people are viewed as cooperative, but lower in status. Consider what each approach has to say about how others would likely feel and act toward disabled people and, where relevant, the stereotypes others would theoretically tend to hold toward disabled people. Be sure to explain WHY each approach suggests a different view about disabled people.
OR
3. Social Identity Theory (SIT). According to SIT, several factors influence whether an individual in a disadvantaged or lower status group chooses to take (or to avoid taking) collective action (e.g., become an activist, protest, etc) to improve their group’s situation. How might SIT explain why some women embrace feminism (a collective movement) and others reject it? Be sure to use SIT concepts appropriately and discuss when and why SIT predicts that women would be more or less likely to pursue collective action through feminism. That is, from a SIT perspective, what things may promote versus inhibit women when it comes to identifying as feminist. Cover such factors as the permeability of group boundaries, perceived legitimacy, stability, and superordinate group identity (e.g., women identifying with men through family and romantic ties) as you discuss the forces that might propel women toward or away from committing to feminism.