Prejudice and Equality – In Search of Purpose- Driven Interdisciplinary Methodologies in Academia

Abstract

Prejudice is conceived as a distorted appropriation of reality, in which characteristics that are not accepted in oneself are projected on another human being, group, or society. Prejudice is present in actions, language and attitudes much before being crystalized in adult perceptions. This article aims to highlight the fact that prejudiced-biased relationships – the other person is as the object of this relationship (Frankfurt School), and not an active subject capable of responding in equal terms to it. The object of prejudice uses the other person’s definition even to oneself. The methodology used in this research shows how science may produce biased knowledge. Two researches are used in Social Psychology to show how creating categories to define others - without consent or negotiation - may result in prejudice in science. Biased information can indirectly lead to conclusions, which relate to others as non-humans – e.g., holocaust, slavery, gender-gap. Science is not neutral. In result, it is much necessary to question the methodologies and ideologies used in research practice. In conclusion, it is necessary to create new approaches that are inclusive and take action towards a more compromised science with promoting changes.

Keywords

• Prejudice
• Social Psychology
• Frankfurt School
• humanities
• methodology

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