Groups can serve as living inkblots for projecting psychodynamic fears

Evidence

Allport (after Ackerman & Jahoda, 1950) proposed that groups of people can become “living inkblots” (1954/1979, p. 385) onto whom others can project their own fears, frustrations, and perceived inadequacies. A compelling idea, it nonetheless did not play a major role in the subsequent history of research on stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. In recent years, interest in the psychodynamic approach, broadly defined, has made a comeback, as has interest in defensive projection in particular. Full appreciation of the role of projection in stereotyping, however, will require multilevel, multivariate, and multimethod research strategies. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2379

Categorization

• DEFINE: Introduces the ‘living inkblot’ concept from Allport via Ackerman & Jahoda plus the psychodynamic projection framework.