Perceivers choose among competing category labels to serve self-interest

Evidence

A noteworthy aspect of Allport’s cognitive approach of intergroup perceptions is the view that categorical thinking is often directed at serving selfinterests. This form of reasoning, which Allport called “autistic thinking,” is at the heart of various recent lines of work (Leyens, Yzerbyt, & Schadron, 1992, 1994) and is nicely illustrated in the research conducted by Kunda and her colleagues on “motivated reasoning with stereotypes” (Kunda & Spencer, 2003). When confronted with a member of a stigmatized category (e.g., an Asian doctor), people may choose to appraise this target using one among several categorical bases (e.g., doctor or Asian). The selection of a particular category depends upon the way the interaction unfolds. If the target somehow frustrates the well-being of the perceiver or counters self-enhancement goals, the more derogatory category will impose itself whereas the more flattering category will be inhibited. Of importance too is the fact that, although stereotypes may well be activated at early stages of an interaction, activation is not always found to last very long (Kunda, Davies, Adams, & Spencer, 2002). Chances are then that stereotypes will not be applied to a target at a later stage of the interaction unless some event (e.g., the emergence of a disagreement) triggers a need for people to fall back on their a priori views. That perceivers switch back and forth to stereotypes as a function of their relevance for the task at hand is consistent with the view that stereotypes are used when they prove useful in guiding perceivers’ behavior. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1171 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Expressions of narrow self-interest are rhetorical performances rather than literal self-reports — Nina Eliasoph, “Close to home”: The work of avoiding…, 3; People cling to self-interest vocabularies even when they contradict experienced motives; Self-interest is redefined by whatever level the collective self-categorisation occupies — John Drury, The role of social identity processes…, 50 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• People strategically select which stereotype to apply based on self-interest #corroborates (0.95)
• Categorical thinking actively serves the perceiver’s self-interest, not just accuracy #corroborates (0.93) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1171