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This is a new publication put out by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. The first two numbers deal with racial and religious prejudices. The special editor is Dr. Gene Weltfish, Columbia University anthropologist. Thirty contributors have participated in the gathering and writing of the material.
Causes of group antagonism and prejudice in the individual personality are the subjects of discussion. One's own failure or misfortunes in life as a cause
of prejudice are to be dismissed: 'The scapegoat explanation is simple and complete while the real causes are complicated and vague in some respects'. Seven different 'Episodes from Life', picturing the social and psychological effects of prejudice are described and discussed to portray the problems in terms of concrete situations. 'The ego satisfactions derived from interpersonal aggression or martyrdom are often a far more important factor than economic, political, or ideological differences which might appear to be the basis of the cleavage.'
Among other suggestions for the elimination of prejudice is a widespread popularization of its psychological mechanisms. The coöperative work of this society seems to be a valuable attempt to apply psychological concepts to vital social issues.