Prejudice reduction with respect to Aboriginal Australians and Muslim Australians : can what is learned be unlearned?

Anne Pedersen, Anne Aly, Lisa Hartley, Craig McGarty

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

![CDATA[There are few published studies regarding the success or otherwise of anti-prejudice strategies in Australia. The present study describes an anti-prejudice strategy targeting attitudes toward Aboriginal Australians and Muslim Australians in a nine-week intervention at an Australian university in 2008. Results indicated that 2nd year psychology participants showed a significant reduction in reported prejudice against Aboriginal Australians, false beliefs about Aboriginal Australians, and the belief that Aboriginal Australians unfairly receive preferential or special treatment. Participants also showed a marginal reduction in reported prejudice against Muslim Australians, together with a significant reduction in the reporting of negative media-related beliefs. Clearly, anti-prejudice interventions alone are not enough to combat prejudice given the amount of negative societal norms and mis-information that circulates throughout the Australian community about these two marginalised groups. However, it is encouraging to know that what is learned can, in certain circumstances, be unlearned. Our study indicates that, in this context at least, in-depth cross-cultural analysis and learning can prove beneficial.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAbstracts of the 4Rs: Rights, Reconciliation, Respect, Responsibilities Conference: University of Technology, Sydney, 30 September - 3 October 2008
PublisherUniversity of Technology, Sydney
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Event4Rs: Rights, Reconciliation, Respect, Responsibilities Conference -
Duration: 1 Jan 2008 → …

Conference

Conference4Rs: Rights, Reconciliation, Respect, Responsibilities Conference
Period1/01/08 → …

Keywords

  • prejudices
  • Aboriginal Australians
  • Muslims
  • Australia

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