Abstract-level middle-cluster stereotypes mask sharp subtype splits within a group.

Evidence

The groups that persistently landed in the middle of the competence–warmth space (gay men, Arabs and Muslims, blue-collar workers, Native Americans, migrant workers) may indeed elicit the nondescript stereotypes suggested by this location. However, consider the case of Black people, who inhabited the middle cluster when labeled at this abstract level yet, at the subgroup level, split neatly into competent but not warm Black professionals and incompetent but warm poor Blacks. Stereotypes of gay men might, for example, subdivide into threatening militants, imagined predators, harmless buffoons, and respected aesthetic professionals. American stereotypes of Muslims might divide among American citizens, harmless Arab nationals, and terrorists. Our data for these middle groups do not distinguish between unformed stereotypes and averages over opposite subgroups. — Susan T. Fiske et al., A Model of (Often Mixed) Stereotype…, 292

Categorization

• XREF: Relates to scapegoating of powerful-minority subgroups: the ‘competent but not warm’ subtype (e.g., Black professionals) is exactly where envy-based targeting concentrates once the abstract label splits. — connects to: Only low-status groups evoke pure low-low derogation, not envied high-status groups. — Susan T. Fiske et al., A Model of (Often Mixed) Stereotype…, 124; Americans across regions and ages agree which outgroups read as competent versus warm. — Susan T. Fiske et al., A Model of (Often Mixed) Stereotype…, 238; Subgrouping a group reduces stereotyping while subtyping preserves it. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1163 (+2 more)
• QUESTION: Do scapegoating campaigns operate on the competent subtype of a group rather than the abstract group? This passage suggests the model’s resolution would require subtype-level analysis.

Related

• Subgrouping a group reduces stereotyping while subtyping preserves it. (similarity 0.83)
• Only low-status groups evoke pure low-low derogation, not envied high-status groups. (similarity 0.82)
• High-competence groups are judged significantly lower in warmth, yielding mixed stereotypes. (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• Subgrouping a group reduces stereotyping while subtyping preserves it. #expands (0.85) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1163
• Stereotype bias includes misjudging within-group variability, not just mean differences #expands (0.82) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 857
• Stereotype beliefs shift with the situational context of the target group member #corroborates (0.75)