Selective self-stereotyping

J Pers Soc Psychol. 1996 Dec;71(6):1194-209. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.71.6.1194.

Abstract

In an examination of group members' responses to the threat of negative in-group characterizations, sorority/fraternity members were asked to rate themselves, their own sorority/fraternity, sororities/ fraternities in general, and students in general on attributes that were stereotypic of sororities/ fraternities. Results showed that individuals selectively self-stereotyped-they embraced positive stereotypes as highly descriptive of themselves and their closest in-groups but rejected negative stereotypes. They did not, however, deny that negative stereotypes were accurate or valid-they continued to accept them as typical of sororities/fraternities in general. This represents a protective, creative response to the threat posed by exposure to negative group attributes, in which self-stereotyping as a result of self-categorization is selective rather than complete.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cognitive Science
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peer Group*
  • Self Concept
  • Self-Assessment*
  • Social Conformity
  • Social Identification*
  • Stereotyping*