Intergroup and intragroup processing in self-stereotyping: The moderating effect of group status

Abstract

The moderating effect of group status on intragroup and intergroup processing and self-stereotyping is examined. Self-stereotyping is "the perceptual interchangeability or perceptual identity of oneself and others in the same group on relevant dimensions" (Turner, 1984). The current argument is that membership in groups marked by low status is conducive to intergroup processing (comparison between groups) and therefore higher levels of self-stereotyping, while membership in groups marked by high status is conducive to intragroup processing (comparison within group), and in turn less self-stereotyping. Four studies examined "default" processing and self-stereotyping in the context of gender and sexual orientation (Study 1 and 2) and by directly manipulating the comparative context (Study 3 and 4). Overall the results provide only limited support for the key predictions. Methodological and theoretical explanations are discussed.