Citation

Wallis WD. Am. J. Sociol. 1929; 34(5): 804-821.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1929, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/214823

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Prejudice is a predisposition in judging not determined by mere love of truth. So-called "hard facts" are really plastic. Factors which keep prejudice alive are interest, ignorance, inertia of opinion, and isolation. Every century scorns the preceding for its superstition, and every people considers its culture superior to all others. There is a tendency to identify enlightenment with the geography of one's own culture. The explanation lies in the strength of the social bond. As society becomes more efficient, group solidarity becomes an instrument of danger, for social impulse runs to excess. The means becomes end. The more silent and insidious the foe, the more dangerous it is.