Social Categorization

Introduction

Social categorization refers to the process of placing individuals into different social groups. The categorization of people occurs according to their membership in groups which addresses them as members of a social group. It, therefore, occurs randomly without giving the idea much thought.  The process occurs at any time by applying to group memberships in the community. An example of social categorization applies in an instance such as that of meeting a new professor where he or she might be classified to be either a man or a woman, as an academic or an American, and so on (Turner & Reynolds,2001). It is, therefore, a normal perception socially as people tend to infer about other persons. It is at this moment essential to consider how cognitive power reduces the power of group stereotype and evaluate the strategies used to encourage cognitive manipulation.

How Cognitive Power Reduce Power of Group Stereotype

Exercise of the brain is a strategy that the cognitive power uses to reduce group stereotypes. By use of the mind, research shows that with improved brain functioning, the brain experiences neuroplasticity.  Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to grow with neuronal connections formed.  Stimulation of the brain reduces stereotypes by providing a correspondence of specific functions such as information processing that minimizes perceptions people have on others. With a series of mixed reviews, exercising of the brain helps keep the mind active by diversifying on its growth. Additionally, meditation boosts mental functioning through techniques that control ones’ emotions and thoughts.  Mindful meditation eases group stereotype by improving the mental clarity on perceptions that contribute to analyzing of information.

 

Strategy Used By Cognitive Manipulation to Reduce Social Categorization

In a case of social categorization, exposure to the natural environment is a strategy that influences the functioning of the mind of an individual. The environment at this moment acts as an element that improves human psychological functioning. Interactions made by human nature are usually goal-oriented (Fiske et al., 2010). Therefore, interactions with nature act as drives to connect with nature. In a case of anxiety, such as a meeting of a new professor, an environment of this kind works by capturing attention which creates conditions that restore the mental state through replenishment.

Conclusion

Stereotypes can, therefore, be minimized by the use of activities that influence the brain functioning by controlling them on the ideas that come in mind. Social categorization can as well be reduced through the influence of environmental factors that act on connecting the brain to nature.  Anxiety will at this moment be minimized through the natural element that replenishes the mind to a state that is active and clear.  Cognitive strategies should, therefore, be improvised in helping control group stereotypes by using brain techniques that will improve the overall functioning of the brain.

 

References

Fiske, S. T., Gilbert, D. T., & Lindzey, G. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of social psychology (5th ed., Vol. 2). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.Chapter 29, “Intergroup Bias”

Turner, J. C., & Reynolds, K. J. (2001). The social identity perspective in intergroup relations: Theories, themes, and controversies. In R. Brown & S. Gaertner (Eds.), Blackwell handbook of social psychology: Intergroup processes (pp. 133–152). Malden, MA: Blackwell.