Perceivers neutralize stereotype-disconfirming individuals by subtyping them.

Evidence

When people confront individuals whose character disputes their outgroup stereotypes, they readily admit the individual exceptions only to “re-fence” the stereotype (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 23): People create small subtypes to contain the exceptions, thereby protecting their overall categories (for references, see Fiske, 1998). Subtypes are cognitively convenient because they allow people to retain their comfortable categories. And they are socially convenient because they justify the status quo. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 304 (#expands, via linked claim)

When people confront individuals whose character disputes their outgroup stereotypes, they readily admit the individual exceptions only to “re-fence” the stereotype (Allport, 1954/1979, p. 23): People create small subtypes to contain the exceptions, thereby protecting their overall categories (for references, see Fiske, 1998). Subtypes are cognitively convenient because they allow people to retain their comfortable categories. And they are socially convenient because they justify the status quo. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 304 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Contradictory evidence is neutralized by subtyping rather than revising stereotypes; Disconfirming individuals are set aside as subtypes that protect the group stereotype — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 304; Individuals who contradict stereotypes get subtyped so the overall stereotype survives intact — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 304

Broader Connections

• Disconfirming individuals are set aside as subtypes that protect the group stereotype #expands (0.97) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 304
• Individuals who contradict stereotypes get subtyped so the overall stereotype survives intact #expands (0.97) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 304