Motivated observ ers perceive within-group variety while unmotivated ones rely on subtypes

Evidence

People find it convenient to retain overgeneralized categories because “it takes less effort, and effort … is disagreeable” (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 21). But even convenience has its limits. Allport amended the principle of least effort: “except in the area of our most intense interests” (p. 21). When observers are motivated (and knowledgeable), they move from subtypes to subgroups. That is, they do not merely exclude the few exceptional subtypes but begin to see variety within the category: subsets of similar individuals within the overall group. People learn that the larger category contains subgroup clusters (e.g., within Latinos, subgroups of Cubans, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans). Although Allport did not anticipate the subgroup idea, his subtype idea paved the way for the distinction between them. Because subgroups increase the perceived variability of the category, they limit the tyranny of categories, whereas subtypes (which “fence off” exceptions to the general stereotype) maintain it. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 305

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes subtypes (fenced-off exceptions that preserve the category) from subgroups (clusters of similar individuals that increase perceived variability and limit categorical stereotyping).
• XREF: Connects to the ‘tyranny of categories’ tradeoff familiar from the categorization literature (Tajfel, Rosch) and to how motivation gates effortful processing.
• SEED: Potential essay: why motivated knowledge converts category-reinforcing subtypes into category-loosening subgroups, and what environments cultivate that motivation.