Group Status and Perceptions of Homogeneity

Abstract

This chapter addresses the role of group status in individuals' representations of ingroup and outgroup characteristics. It first outlines a distinction between mental representations of high- and of low-status groups. A research programme is then reported which demonstrates that membership in dominant (i.e., high-status) vs. subordinate (i.e., low-status) groups moderates perceptions of groups' homogeneity. The resulting tendency for outgroup and ingroup members to ascribe more homogeneity to low- than to high-status groups is discussed in relation to current theories of the outgroup homogeneity effect.