Positive Prejudice as Interpersonal Ethics

Positive Prejudice as Interpersonal Ethics examines prejudice not merely as a negative attitude toward others but as a general orientation that enables perception and understanding. Prejudicial attitudes appear in all daily human interactions; these interactions have a moral character and thus have an effect on the self-concepts and self-esteem of the participants. By examining this concept at the intersection of three fields-social psychological studies of the nature of prejudice, phenomenological examination of a person's interpersonal experiences, and ethical consideration of the character of constructive interactions-this book places the idea of prejudice in its larger context. Presenting prejudice as situational understanding that impacts all perception and interpretation, Sara Kärkkäinen Terian offers a way to shape it from negative to positive. She considers recognition of one's value as a person an integral part of positive prejudice and respect as its necessary basis.