stereotype |
Working Definition:
A stereotype is “a generalization about a group of people in which identical characteristics are assigned to virtually all members of the group regardless of actual variation among the members” (Aronson, Social Psychology, et. al., 1999, 502).
Disciplinary Definitions:
“Stereotypes reflect cultural beliefs” (Aronson, Social Psychology, et. al., 1999,
512) shared
by a number of people.
Aronson, et al point to “the
contact hypothesis” as the most likely means of reducing prejudice
if contact meets the following six conditions: (1)
if the contact involves “mutual interdependence,” (2) striving
for a common goal, (3) enjoying equal status, (4) in a friendly, informal
situation where interactions can be one-to-one, (5) that what is learned
about the out-group not be attributed to a single individual as the exception
to the rule, and (6) when the contact is reinforced by social norms that
support and promote equality, e.g., by being stated by an authority figure—a
teacher or employer, etc.—as the norms that should govern the interactions. The “jigsaw” learning environment
is one in which each person in the group is given a part of a “puzzle” to
solve that is understood to fit into the work of others.
Comments:
Aronson, et al. note that scripts and schemas are one of the bases of stereotypes (508) particularly in the context of us vs. them situations. They also note that “logical arguments are not effective in countering emotions” (Social Psychology, 511)
Stereotypes are usually automatic processing of information and reliance on a cultural script or schema that remains unexamined.
The hypothesis that visiting Virtual Harlem will reduce prejudice fits in best with the “bookkeeping” or “conversion” models of counter-stereotyping (Aronson, Social Psychology, et. al., 1999, 520), which have limited effectiveness in altering cognitive stereo-scripts. However, if the visitors’ emotions are engaged, eg., as in the underground railway museum, then it may have more of an impact on the schema.
Notes
“Discrimination [is] unjustified negative or harmful action toward a member of a group, simply because of his or her membership in that group” (Aronson, Social Psychology, et. al., 1999, 506).
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last revised:
June 13, 2007
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