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.