Cross-dimension-ambivalent in-group stereotypes: the moderating roles of social context of stereotype endorsement and in-group identification.
In this study, the authors examined in-group stereotypes that are cross-dimensionally ambivalent-simultaneously (a) positive in cognition-related content dimensions and negative in affect-related content dimensions or (b) negative in cognition-related content dimensions and positive in affect-related content dimensions-to establish whether endorsement of such in-group stereotypes depends on whether this process occurs in an intragroup versus intergroup context. Drawing on social identity theory, the authors predicted that (a) endorsement of cross-dimension-ambivalent in-group stereotypes would be greater in an intragroup, relative to an intergroup, context and (b) this would hold for high but not low in-group identifiers. Confirming these hypotheses, results showed that endorsement of cross-dimension-ambivalent in-group stereotypes may vary as a function of their contribution to securing a positive social identity.
Costarelli
Sandro
S
Department of Cognitive Sciences and Education, University of Trento, Rovereto (TN), Italy. sandro.costarelli@unitn.it
Callà
Rose Marie
RM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D012933:Social Identification; D012938:Social Perception; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities