Racism and prejudice

This paper is an overview of psychological theory, research and practice relating to racism and prejudice. It was written in the context of ongoing social and political debates in Australia about native title, reconciliation with Aboriginal people, multiculturalism and immigration.

The paper aims to increase understanding of these issues among psychologists, policy makers and the public. It also challenges psychologists to critically examine both their contributions to this potentially divisive social issue, and the pervasive effects of institutionalised racism.

Racism and prejudice  (180kb). To go straight to a specific section in the report, click on the quick index headings on the front page.

Contents:

• Executive summary
• Summary of recommendations
• Introduction
• Constructions of race, racism and prejudice
• Language, social representations and the media
• The bases of racism
• Racism in the contemporary Australian context
• Institutionalised racism
• Strategies to reduce racism and prejudice
• The role of psychology and psychologists
• Recommendations
• References