Differential effects of socio-economic status on prejudice among adolescents

The study under report was conducted to determine the effects of socio-economic status (SES), if any, on prejudice among adolescents. The sample comprised 250 HSES, 200 MSES and 150 LSES adolescents studying in some of the high school and intermediate colleges located in Jaunpur district (U. P., India). They were administered the socio-economic status scale (SES) and prejudice scale for data collection and data obtained was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The LSES group of adolescents scored significantly higher means on the global scale of prejudice as well as on its dimensions as compared to MSES and HSES groups of adolescents, which shows the differential effects of socio-economic status on the formation and maintenance of prejudices in Indian society. The results are thoroughly discussed and interpreted in the light of views about prejudices and how it can be managed, so that social harmony and peace in society and also between different social groups and communities could be promoted. The implications and limitations as well as the suggestions for future researches are also underlined.