Stereotype Content

Abstract

Abstract Scholars have recently proposed a model that describes and systematically categorizes the content of stereotypes. This stereotype content model posits that groups are stereotyped along the dimensions of trait warmth (i.e., likeability and friendliness) and competence (Fiske, Xu, Cuddy, & Glick, 1999). Groups will typically be stereotyped into one of four clusters—low warmth and high competence, high warmth and low competence, high warmth and high competence, and lastly low warmth and low competence. The combination of positively and negatively valenced clusters creates ambivalent or mixed stereotype content that produces paternalistic (high warmth, low competence) or envious (low warmth, high competence) forms of prejudice. The model has generated interesting new results and insights about the nature of stereotypes and their impact on behaviors, including dehumanization.