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"I am us": negative stereotypes as collective threats
Geoffrey L Cohen1, Julio Garcia
1Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8205, USA. geoffrey.cohen@yale.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 17, 2005
Summary
Collective threat, the fear of reinforcing negative stereotypes, impacts self-esteem and academic performance in stereotyped groups. Group identification influences coping strategies for this social threat.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Stereotype Threat Research
Background:
- Collective threat arises from the fear that an in-group member's actions may confirm negative stereotypes about the group.
- Previous research indicates that negative stereotypes can impact individual and group dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of collective threat and its psychological and behavioral consequences.
- To examine the role of group identification in coping with collective threat.
Main Methods:
- A field study assessing collective threat and self-esteem across different ethnic groups.
- Three experimental studies manipulating in-group performance on stereotype-relevant tasks.
- Measurement of academic performance, self-stereotyping, stereotype activation, and physical distancing.
Main Results:
- Self-reported collective threat was higher in stereotyped minorities compared to Whites, correlating with lower self-esteem.
- Exposure to a potential in-group failure on a stereotype-relevant task lowered self-esteem in minority students and women.
- Collective threat negatively impacted academic performance, self-stereotyping, stereotype activation, and led to physical distancing.
Conclusions:
- Collective threat is a significant social psychological phenomenon affecting stereotyped groups.
- Group identification moderates coping strategies, influencing avoidance or challenge responses.
- Findings have implications for understanding social identity, stigmatization, and intergroup relations.
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