Influences on Attitude Development

MASS MEDIA

FAMILY

PEERS

COMMUNITY

SCHOOL

Children identify with their parent's attitudes

Cultural prejudices follow a the pattern of the parents

Attitudes are developed through role modeling

Children identify with models who are powerful and admirable

Young children accept as true the statements of their parents and others they admire

Positive and negative remarks influence prejudicial attitudes

They are likely to be prejudiced against the "out group"

Dress, dating, personal problems, and sex are attitudes influenced by peer groups

Children compare the acceptability of their beliefs with those of their friends

Children and adolescents often cite tv as a source for influential information

TV and movies are a source of social stereotypes (Middle Eastern Americans)

Documentaries and biographies can bring empathetic understandings

Gender and cultural stereotypes are often portrayed in books

Community customs and traditions influence attitudes

EX labeled public restrooms, "Adults Only", diverse population

Positive interactions with people different from oneself foster positive attitudes toward them.

Schools influence attitude information.

Gender-role stereotyping in perpetuated in schools.

When members of homogeneous and heterogeneous groups cooperate rather than compete to achieve a great common goal, greater positive attitudes emerged.