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Disgust is a factor in extreme prejudice
1Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, UK. kathleen.taylor@dpag.ox.ac.uk
The British Journal of Social Psychology
|September 20, 2007
Summary
Extreme prejudice, or bigotry, may be characterized by high levels of disgust, differentiating it from simpler positive/negative prejudice models. This research analyzed emotive language in anti-group texts to identify key emotional drivers of bigotry.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
- Emotion Research
Background:
- Intergroup prejudice is a central topic in social psychology, typically viewed as a positive/negative affect continuum.
- This unidimensional model has limitations, failing to explain simultaneous positive/negative stereotypes or extreme prejudice (bigotry).
- Multidimensional models suggest different negative emotions underpin prejudice in various contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emotional landscape of extreme intergroup hostility (bigotry).
- To identify which specific emotions are most relevant in distinguishing bigotry from general prejudice.
- To analyze the emotive language within texts promoting extreme intergroup hostility.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 'anti-group' texts, defined as writings promoting extreme intergroup hostility.
- Quantitative analysis of the frequency of emotive language within these texts.
- Comparison of emotional content to differentiate bigotry from other forms of prejudice.
Main Results:
- Findings indicate that texts promoting extreme intergroup hostility exhibit a high frequency of specific emotive language.
- The emotion of disgust appears to be a distinguishing feature of bigotry.
- This suggests a multidimensional emotional basis for extreme prejudice.
Conclusions:
- Bigotry may be characterized by a distinct emotional profile, particularly a high prevalence of disgust.
- This supports multidimensional models of prejudice, moving beyond simple positive/negative affect.
- Understanding the specific emotions driving bigotry is crucial for developing effective interventions.
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