As a noun, prejudice is an unfair opinion or feeling, often negative, formed about a person or group before knowing enough facts. As a verb, to prejudice someone is to influence them unfairly or harm their chances.
“Prejudice” comes from Latin *praeiudicium*, “previous judgment,” from *prae-* (“before”) + *judicium* (“judgment”). It literally means judging before the trial.
Prejudice is like a mental shortcut that’s gone wrong: it saves time by skipping evidence, but the cost is injustice. That’s why many anti-bias efforts focus on slowing people down long enough to actually see individuals, not stereotypes.
'Prejudice' has been central in describing discriminatory attitudes, including sexism and gender-based bias, that limited women’s and gender minorities’ access to education, work, and public life. Language about prejudice has evolved to distinguish individual bias from systemic discrimination.
When discussing prejudice, be specific about its targets (e.g., gender, race, sexuality) and avoid framing it as merely individual dislike rather than also structural. Acknowledge that people of any gender can hold prejudices, including against their own group, within unequal systems.
Highlight the work of women and gender-diverse activists, scholars, and legal advocates who have exposed and challenged gender prejudice in institutions, media, and everyday life.
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