What is the definition of "prejudice" in sociology?

In sociology, prejudice is defined as a negative attitude towards individuals based on their perceived characteristics, often associated with their social group, such as race, ethnicity, gender, or religion. This negative outlook can lead to harmful stereotypes and discrimination, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with members of that group.

The focus on perceived group characteristics highlights that prejudice is often based on assumptions or generalizations rather than personal experience. This differentiation is critical in understanding social dynamics and addressing issues associated with discrimination and social inequality.

The other definitions do not capture the essence of prejudice. A positive attitude toward a group (the first option) contradicts the foundational idea of prejudice being inherently negative. A neutral stance (the third option) does not engage with the concept of prejudice as it suggests lack of bias. Lastly, an unbiased judgment (the fourth option) completely opposes the essence of prejudice, which is inherently biased and unreasoned, making option B the only accurate definition in this context.