Describe the two functions that prejudice serves. Provide examples of each

Answer:

Researchers believe that prejudice is common and pervasive because it serves specific functions, the two most important of which are ego-defensive functions and value-expressive functions. The ego-defensive function of prejudice describes the role it plays in protecting individuals' sense of self-worth. For example, an individual who is not financially successful and whose group members tend not to be financially successful may attribute blame to other groups for hoarding resources and preventing him or her from becoming successful. Prejudice serves its value-expressive function by allowing people to view their own values, norms, and cultural practices as appropriate and correct. By devaluing other groups' behavior and beliefs, these people maintain a solid sense that they are right. Unfortunately, this same function causes group members to denigrate the cultural practices of others.