Stereotypes - Theories & Def

Stereotypes (Katz & Braly, 1935; Allport, 1958)

Cognitive component of attitudes toward social groups; shared beliefs about what a group is like.

Stereotypes vs. Prejudice vs. Discrimination

Stereotypes = beliefs (cognitive)
→ Prejudice = feelings (affective)
→ Discrimination = behavior (action)

Positive vs. Negative Stereotypes

Stereotypes can be flattering (e.g., “women are nurturing”) or derogatory (e.g., “group X is lazy”).

Accuracy & Consensus of Stereotypes

Stereotypes vary in accuracy, valence, and agreement within groups; not automatically “wrong.”

Schemas

Cognitive frameworks that organize and filter information; help explain why stereotypes are efficient but biased.

Consistency Bias in Information Processing

Stereotype-consistent info processed faster and remembered better than inconsistent info.

Subtyping

Inconsistent info is carved into exceptions (“she’s smart for a woman”), rather than updating the stereotype.

Stereotypes as Social Theories

Stereotypes guide attention, interpretation, and prediction about social groups.

Motivational Explanation for Stereotypes

Used to maintain positive group identity by comparison with outgroups.

Stereotype Content Model (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick & Xu, 2002)

Stereotypes reflect two core dimensions: warmth (intentions) & competence (ability).

Warmth Dimension

Perceived friendliness or threat; predicted by perceived competition.

Competence Dimension

Perceived ability and status; predicted by social standing.

“Women Are Wonderful” Effect

Women stereotyped as higher in warmth but not necessarily competence; positive but restrictive and benevolent.

Stereotype Threat (Steele & Aronson, 1995)

Fear of confirming a negative stereotype about one’s group causes anxiety and performance impairment.

Mechanisms of Stereotype Threat

Stereotype activation → self-monitoring, stress & cognitive load → worse performance.

Combating Stereotype Threat

Interventions reframing intelligence as malleable reduce threat and improve performance.