Stereotypes are representations and beliefs about people and the social groups to which they belong, usually generalized and misattributed (Operario & Fiske, 2003). Stereotype threat refers to situations where a person is concerned about confirming a negative stereotype about a group they belong to. As a threat to social identity, it also includes the fear of being mistreated and judged due to stereotypes (Spencer et al., 2016). In the following text there are examples of gender and race stereotypes. It also mentions the effect these stereotypes have on social identity.
Framing & perspectives
Stereotype threat creates psychological discomfort and influences how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. The fear of confirming a stereotype or being mistreated can build pressure and lead to a person living down to social expectations, resembling the reputation that is held by others (Aronson & McGlone, 2009).
For a stereotype threat to occur, a negative stereotype must exist (Spencer, et al. 1999). Oftentimes, thinking about or acknowledging these stereotypes impacts how people act in certain situations. Depending on how stereotypes were framed made a difference in how people performed in some studies. For example, when women were explicitly told there were no gender differences in math scores before doing a test, they did just as well as men. However, when they were told gender differences existed, they performed worse (Spencer et al., 1999). Similarly, when Black participants were told a test was measuring IQ, they did worse than when a different reason for assessment was given (Steele & Aronson, 1995). The results give an example of how stereotype threat limits a person’s confidence in their abilities, such as believing that women are less capable than men in STEM subjects or that people of color perceive themselves as less intelligent than white-positioned people.
This shows the power of biases and expectations and why it is important to challenge them. As stereotypes do not present reality, it is crucial to acknowledge the issues that arise due to them. Stereotype threat explains a lot of the underperformance and achievement gaps seen in certain social groups (Appel & Kronberger, 2012).
While the examples given were related to performance, stereotypes differ and some stereotype threats might not have such a direct result. For example, ‘‘People from wealthy families are more entitled’’ or ‘‘Atheists are less moral than religious people’’.
Furthermore, whether or not stereotype threat occurs, and whether it will have long-term effects, depends on several factors, related to the individual, context, or situation. Nevertheless, most people have at least one social identity that is targeted by a negative stereotype in a certain situation, meaning any individual is potentially vulnerable to stereotype threat (Spencer et al, 2016).
Relevance
Stereotypes change over time and in different contexts. By examining history, which also accentuates the lack of equality, it is possible to understand the origins of certain stereotypes. This can help us comprehend that they are oversimplified and overgeneralized. At the same time, stereotypes can cause strong feelings and behaviors from people who hold the stereotypes or those who are stereotyped in certain situations. Stereotype threat highlights how societal stereotypes can undermine the potential of individuals and emphasize inequality. It reminds us to think critically and carefully about these biases. Acknowledging this phenomenon is important due to its implications for social inclusion, education, workplace diversity, etc.
Keywords: Stereotype, Discrimination, Prejudice, Discomfort, Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Connected terms: Ableism, Trigger, Microaggressions, Sexism, Xenocentrism
References
Appel, M., & Kronberger, N. (2012). Stereotypes and the achievement gap: Stereotype threat prior to test taking. Educational Psychology Review, 24, 609-635.
Aronson, J., & McGlone, M. S. (2009). Stereotype and social identity threat. Handbook of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination, 153-178.
Operario, D., & Fiske, S. T. (2003). Stereotypes: Content, structures, processes, and context. Blackwell handbook of social psychology: Intergroup processes, 22-44.
Spencer, S. J., Steele, C. M., & Quinn, D. M. (1999). Stereotype threat and women’s math performance. Journal of experimental social psychology, 35(1), 4-28.
Spencer, S. J.; Logel, Christine; Davies, Paul G. (2016). Stereotype Threat. Annual Review of Psychology, 67(1).
Steele, C. M., & Aronson, J. (1995). Stereotype threat and the intellectual test performance of African Americans. Journal of personality and social psychology, 69(5), 797.
