Subtyping protects stereotypes by exempting counter-evidence as exceptions.

Evidence

People can, for example, selectively cite examples to support negative views of outgroup members while simultaneously ignoring or distorting contrary evidence. Such selective consideration and interpretation of “evidence” enables people to maintain the illusion that they are objective and fair-minded. For example, evidence of a highly accomplished Black person who contradicts the stereotype of Blacks as lazy is easily handled by viewing that individual as the “exception that proves the rule.” Contemporary authors refer to this process as subtyping (Rothbart & John, 1985). Once subtyped, the person no longer threatens the validity of stereotypic thinking. Allport recognized that this strategy enables people to recognize their negative beliefs but to view them as valid rather than prejudiced. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2095

Categorization

• XREF: Important for contact-theory: stereotype-disconfirming contact fails when targets are subtyped. Connects to existing vault claims on when positive contact does not generalize.