préjugé

Préjugé is the French noun for prejudice, defined as a preconceived opinion about a person or group formed without adequate evidence or careful consideration of individual merit. In English usage, prejudice carries a similar meaning. The term derives from Latin praejudicium, “a judgment beforehand,” via Old French prejudici and later French préjugé, reflecting the idea of forming judgments before considering all facts.

In social science, préjugé denotes an attitudinal bias rooted in stereotypes and social categorization. It can be explicit, expressed openly, or implicit, operating unconsciously. Prejudices arise from cognitive processes such as schema formation, socialization, and group identity, and are reinforced by structural power relations and cultural norms. They can target various aspects of identity, including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, age, class, nationality, and disability.

The consequences of préjugé include discrimination, unequal treatment, social exclusion, and conflict. Prejudices can influence decisions in education, employment, law, and everyday interactions, often sustaining systemic inequalities. They are measured through self-reports, questionnaires, and, in some cases, indirect methods like implicit association tests.

Reducing préjugé involves approaches such as intergroup contact under favorable conditions, perspective-taking, critical media literacy, inclusive education, and policies that promote equality and protection against discrimination. A broader cultural shift toward recognizing individual differences and challenging stereotypes supports more equitable social relations.

Historically, the concept has been central to debates on colonialism, racism, sexism, antisemitism, xenophobia, and other forms of social exclusion, making its understanding important for both academic analysis and civic discourse.