The Psychology of Prejudice

“I look forward to using Nelson and Olson's book as the primary text in my undergraduate courses on stereotyping, prejudice, and intergroup relations. The book is easy to read, covers a century-long history of social-psychological research on stereotyping and prejudice from several perspectives (for example, personality versus situational antecedents, implicit versus explicit measures, perceiver's versus target's experiences), and addresses prejudice in different intergroup contexts, including race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and body size. I particularly like the discussion questions at the end of each chapter, which will help students truly engage with the material and with one another.”

—Kimberly Rios, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign


“What sets this text apart is its integration of real-world examples with psychological theories and empirical evidence to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding prejudice. The third edition is meticulously updated and enriched with the latest research and contemporary examples. By delving into the psychological mechanisms at play, the text offers profound insights into why prejudice persists and how it can be effectively addressed to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. This is an indispensable text for undergraduate courses on the psychology of prejudice.”

—Jeff Stone, PhD, University Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Arizona


“This book offers a comprehensive examination of the study of intergroup bias. While much of the literature in the field focuses on Black–White relations, the third edition also addresses sexism, ageism, heterosexism, and anti-fat prejudice, detailing the nuances associated with different forms of prejudice. Importantly, the final chapter is devoted to the reduction of prejudice. I appreciate the way the book discusses the historical foundations of this work while also bringing us up to date on contemporary perspectives and questions. This book is a perfect companion for all students of prejudice, regardless of their career stage.”

—Keith B. Maddox, PhD, Department of Psychology, Tufts University