Changes and stagnation in contemporary racial stereotypes

Abstract

Generations of researchers have studied the extent to which the content and consistency of stereotypes about Black people have changed over time. At best, the evidence is mixed with some findings suggesting changes in stereotypes and other evidence suggesting that, though belief in stereotypes changed for some people, stereotypes remain negative. Our study adds to the literature by evaluating participants’ stereotype knowledge and personal beliefs about Black people, aligning with recommended practices by Devine and Elliot. Our data reveal a shift in stereotype content overall and greater heterogeneity in trait selections among participants with egalitarian values. However, stereotypes regarding Black people are, if anything, more negative in the present study than in prior research. The stubbornness of valence to change is concerning and reaffirms the need to focus research efforts on improving individuals’ ability to regulate their expression of stereotypes to prevent them from affecting their treatment of others.