Conflicting stereotype traits reveal justification logic overriding consistency

Evidence

Anti-Semitism, for example, invariably “finds its rationalization in some presumed aspect of ‘Jewish essence’” (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 195). The same perceiver may criticize Jews (or Asians, or whomever) at one convenient moment for being inherently “clannish” and at other times for intrusively forcing themselves upon others. The categorization function explains why stereotypes are undifferentiated and overgeneralized; the justification function explains why they are so often illogical and contrary to fact. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1371

Categorization

• DEFINE: Shows how opposing stereotypes (clannish vs. intrusive) both serve the same justificatory purpose.
• SEED: Angle: the logical self-contradiction of stereotypes is the tell that they serve justification, not description — a diagnostic for detecting motivated belief.
• XREF: connects to: The justification process for subordination is identical across race, caste, class, and sex — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 59; System justification theory attributes stereotype endorsement to status-quo legitimization — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology: Key Readings, 140