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How are stereotypes maintained through communication? The influence of stereotype sharedness
Anthony Lyons1, Yoshihisa Kashima
1Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia. a.lyons@psych.unimelb.edu.au
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|December 17, 2003
Summary
Stereotypes are maintained through communication chains. When people believe others share their stereotypes, information becomes more stereotypical during transmission, reinforcing existing biases.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Interpersonal communication is a potential mechanism for stereotype maintenance.
- Stereotype-relevant information transmitted through communication chains often becomes more stereotypical.
- The precise mechanisms driving this phenomenon require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the social sharing of stereotypes influences their maintenance within communication chains.
- To examine the interaction between shared stereotypes and communication processes.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments utilized a 4-person chain communication design with serial reproduction.
- Participants communicated stereotype-relevant stories.
- Manipulated the extent to which communicators believed their audience and community shared stereotypes, and their actual stereotype endorsement.
Main Results:
- The degree to which stereotypes are socially shared significantly contributes to information becoming more stereotypical during communication.
- Beliefs about audience and community stereotype sharing also impacted the process.
Conclusions:
- The socially shared nature of stereotypes is a key factor in their maintenance through communication.
- Understanding these communication dynamics is crucial for addressing stereotype perpetuation.
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