Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Which of the following can foster prejudice?
(A) Threats to self-esteem
(B) Competition for resources
(C) Social categorization
(D) Social recategorization

Correct option is B

Prejudice is an unjustified or incorrect attitude (usually negative) towards an individual based solely on group membership. Several psychological factors contribute to the development and reinforcement of prejudice, including threats to self-esteem, competition for resources, and social categorization.

Why (A), (B), and (C) Foster Prejudice?

    (A) Threats to self-esteem
    According to Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), individuals derive self-esteem from their group identity.
    When self-esteem is threatened, people may enhance their in-group and derogate out-groups, leading to prejudice.

    (B) Competition for resources
    Realistic Conflict Theory (Sherif, 1966) suggests that competition for limited resources (jobs, power, land) fosters prejudice.
    Example: The Robbers Cave Experiment showed that intergroup competition increases hostility.

    (C) Social categorization
    The act of classifying people into groups (in-group vs. out-group) leads to stereotyping and discrimination.
    Tajfel & Turner (1979) demonstrated that even minimal group categorization can lead to in-group favoritism and out-group bias.