Social groups can function as ‘living inkblots’ for individuals’ projected fears and inadequacies.

Evidence

Allport (after Ackerman & Jahoda, 1950) proposed that groups of people can become “living inkblots” (1954/1979, p. 385) onto whom others can project their own fears, frustrations, and perceived inadequacies. A compelling idea, it nonetheless did not play a major role in the subsequent history of research on stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. In recent years, interest in the psychodynamic approach, broadly defined, has made a comeback, as has interest in defensive projection in particular. Full appreciation of the role of projection in stereotyping, however, will require multilevel, multivariate, and multimethod research strategies. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2379 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Groups can serve as living inkblots for projecting psychodynamic fears — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2379; Outgroups serve as inkblots onto which individuals project their own fears; Group membership socializes paranoia by collectivizing shared delusion — Theodor W. Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Dialectic of Enlightenment, 156 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Groups can serve as living inkblots for projecting psychodynamic fears #expands (0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2379
• Outgroups serve as inkblots onto which individuals project their own fears #expands (0.92)