Abstract
Despite our enduring efforts to exterminate discrimination, many people continue to suffer from it. This article traces historical changes in theoretical perspectives and research paradigms regarding discrimination in the field of social psychology. Furthermore, it discusses why the situation is so resistant to improvement. One possible answer is that discriminatory behavior and prejudiced thinking are deeply rooted in humans’ normal, adaptive psychological functions, which operate automatically in nature. Nevertheless, many theorists have suggested that we must consciously and intentionally control such psychological processes ; this further complicates the problem. On the basis of recent developments in contact hypothesis and the malleability of implicit attitudes, new perspectives are emerging, and providing some optimism. This article also discusses these new perspectives.
