Social systems can enable change, and new roles redefine group stereotypes

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. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 226

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to contact hypothesis and role-based stereotype change research. — connects to: The people now function as social cohesion rather than social change — Herbert Marcuse, One-Dimensional Man: Studies in the…, 885; Conformism stays adaptive under rapid change though heavy social learning does not; Giving students public roles transforms how adults see them in the community. — David Sobel, Place-Based Education: Connecting…, 50 (+1 more)