Social Dominance Orientation Attenuates Stereotype Change in the Face of Disconfirming Information

Abstract

This study examined whether social dominance orientation (SDO) affects the malleability of group stereotypes in the face of disconfirmation. Data were collected at two time points: At Time 1, baseline stereotypes and SDO were assessed, and at Time 2, either moderately or extremely stereotype-inconsistent information was presented and stereotyping measures were repeated. Consistent with previous research, exposure to moderately inconsistent information resulted in greater stereotype change than exposure to extremely inconsistent information. As expected, SDO was negatively related to stereotype change, in particular after presentation of moderately inconsistent information. The judged typicality of the target exemplar mediated the effects of the manipulation but did not mediate the effects of SDO. Implications for future research and interventions to reduce stereotyping are discussed.