New economic realities push group members into novel roles that reduce prejudice

Evidence

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

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the stereotype-content and social-role theory literature that emerged from Allport; also echoes the contact hypothesis conditions more broadly.