Development of new group members' in-group and out-group stereotypes: changes in perceived group variability and ethnocentrism

J Pers Soc Psychol. 1997 Oct;73(4):719-32. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.73.4.719.

Abstract

Changes in new members' in-group and out-group stereotypes were examined, distinguishing among three stereotype components: stereotypicality, dispersion, and ethnocentrism. Pledges in 4 sororities judged their in-group and out-groups 4 times during their 8-month induction. Overall, out-groups were judged more stereotypically than in-groups at every wave. Although out-groups were initially perceived as more dispersed than in-groups, decreased out-group dispersion resulted in a shift toward out-group homogeneity. Ethnocentrism was present at every wave but decreased because of decreased in-group positivity. The authors discuss implications of these results for existing explanations of stereotype development. It is suggested that other aspects of group socialization (R.L. Moreland & J.M. Levine, 1982) are needed to explain fully the development of intergroup perceptions for new group members.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Peer Group*
  • Psychological Theory
  • Self Concept
  • Social Desirability*
  • Social Identification*
  • Social Perception*
  • Stereotyping*