What Are They Like? Non-Expert Definitions of Stereotypes and Their Implications for Stereotype Maintenance

Abstract

The current study explores non-expert definitions of stereotypes to better understand whether these present a consistent view of stereotypes. Nine meta-themes emerged from the thematic analysis conducted: accuracy, behavior, cognition, content, function, rationalization, stereotyper, target, and valence. A natural split in the relative frequency with which these meta-themes were coded demonstrates consistency in participants' view of stereotypes as cognitive, neutral, and functional. Definitions are similar to scholarly definitions and are informative about why stereotypes are maintained despite a societal prescription to avoid them. Results suggest that views about accuracy may play a role in this process. Participants who view stereotypes as accurate, appropriate, and valuable ways to understand target groups may use stereotypes despite the prescription of avoidance and may, thus, maintain stereotypes.