Stereotypical Thoughts and Perceptions Among Chakma and Settler Bengalis in Southeastern Bangladesh

摘要

Inspired by indigenous psychology, this study examined stereotypical thoughts and perceptions held by members of Chakma and settler Bengalis living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in southeastern Bangladesh. In-depth interviews with 26 participants revealed 31 types of thoughts and perceptions, of which 7 were more likely to be expressed by high-prejudice participants-namely, dehumanization, disapproval of contact, apprehension of negative outcome, confirmation bias, overgeneralization, victim thinking, and reciprocal harming. The perception that members of the other community also possess positive qualities was more likely to be expressed by low-prejudice participants. Several novel thoughts-such as progressive orientation, occasional denial of identity with one's own race, rumor susceptibility, and blaming administration as biased-were equally observed in high- and low-prejudice participants. The article discusses the findings with the prospect of developing prejudice-reduction strategies appropriate to the CHT.