Stereotypes become accurate only because targets conform to expectations

Evidence

However, it has become customary to take demonstrations of the self-fulfilling nature of stereotypic expectancies as supporting the “kernel of truth” position. In other words, stereotypes that were false to begin with may acquire a kind of accuracy because stereotyped individuals and groups conform to others’ expectations of them (e.g., Geis, 1993). If this is what is meant by the kernel of truth view, then it is compatible with the system-justification view. We agree that some group differences may become validated through processes of behavioral confirmation or material deprivation, but this validity is indeed a specious one. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2955

Categorization

• SEED: Article angle: the ‘kernel of truth’ defense of stereotypes is circular — stereotypes create the very accuracy they claim to reflect.
• XREF: connects to: Mortality reminders make stereotype targets behave consistently with negative stereotypes of their group. — Jeff Greenberg and Spee Kosloff, Terror Management Theory: Implications…, 81