Changing material reality is the most expedient way to change stereotypes

Evidence

A second implication of the system-justification approach which follows from the first is that a most expedient way of changing stereotypes is to change material reality (see Banaji & Greenwald, 1994; Eagly & Steffen, 1984; Hoffman & Hurst, 1990; MacKinnon, 1989), an assumption that is even more basic to our view than to social identity theory. … We take evidence presented by social identity theorists (e.g. Haslam, Turner, Oakes, McGarty, & Hayes, 1992) that stereotypes change in accordance with alterations in the social structure of relations between groups to be supportive of the position defended here, which is that stereotypes rationalize systems of social, economic, and sexual relations. In many ways, our thesis is similar to one advanced by Campbell and LeVine (1968, p. 561) whose merging of cognitive dissonance theory and anthropological data resulted in the proposition that changes in the system of relations between groups are met by corresponding changes in “group labels and stereotypes.” — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2947 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Despite this emphasis on inflexibility, Allport (1954/1979) also acknowledged groups’ mobility and indeed argued that a social system itself can contribute to social change: “Our very gusto for change may bring it about, if anything can. A social system does not necessarily retard change; sometimes it encourages it” (p. 507). As a society becomes acclimated to new economic, political, social, and technological realities, new qualities are cultivated and valued in its citizens. As we have argued, new realities lead individuals to seek out new roles – often roles for which members of their group are thought to be unsuited. Group members who succeed in their new roles contribute to the redefinition of their group stereotype and a reduction of prejudice. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 226 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Changing material intergroup relations is the most effective way to change stereotypes — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2947; Structural role changes in society can update stereotypes and reduce prejudice. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 226; Stereotypes form, stabilize, and change through communication, not just individual cognition. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 1187 (+6 more)

Broader Connections

• Changing material intergroup relations is the most effective way to change stereotypes #corroborates (0.97) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2947
• Structural role changes in society can update stereotypes and reduce prejudice. #corroborates (0.92) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 226
• Stereotypes operate at every cognitive stage to self-confirm and preserve the status quo #complicates (0.78)
• Stereotypes actively reaffirmed become deeply rooted beliefs that resist contradiction #complicates (0.75) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1179
• Suppressing stereotypes paradoxically makes them more accessible later #complicates (0.72) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1181