Groups develop negative stereotypes of others to justify their competition for resources

Evidence

Furthermore, in-group members are expected to employ negative stereotypes of the outgroup in an attempt to differentiate their group from others, that is, by making comparative social judgements that benefit the in-group relative to the outgroup (e.g. Tajfel, 1978; Tajfel & Turner, 1979, 1986; Turner, 1975). Social identity theory is referred to as a “conflict theory” because it assumes that groups in society must compete with one another for symbolic and material resources, and that they will develop stereotypes of other groups in an effort to justify their competition (Billig, 1976; Hogg & Abrams, 1988). — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2891

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Intergroup competition selects prosocial norms that can simultaneously dehumanize outsiders. — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 558; Envied out-groups draw low-warmth stereotypes that rationalize their exclusion — Susan T. Fiske et al., A Model of (Often Mixed) Stereotype…, 32; Low-warmth, low-competence groups draw moralized disgust for illegitimately consuming resources. — Susan T. Fiske et al., A Model of (Often Mixed) Stereotype…, 259 (+1 more)