Tolerating complexity in perceptions prevents prejudiced stereotyping

Evidence

Entitativity refers to the extent to which an aggregate of people is perceived to be an independent entity, to have real existence as a group. We do not identify with, attach importance to, or show favoritism toward a group, nor do we stereotype or discriminate against a group, unless and until that group is perceived as a meaningful entity. In that sense, the perception of group entitativity is a fundamental building block on which all other aspects of group perception are based. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 288 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Although it is usually argued that only subtle prejudices are complex, whereas blatant prejudices are hot-blooded, direct and unambiguous, I also want to argue here that we should not discount too hastily the inherent complexity of extreme or blatant prejudices (Billig, 1978 ; Tileag a6 , 2013 ). The meaning of extremism varies across individuals and social contexts (cf., inter alia, Hopkins and Kahani-Hopkins, 2009 ; Ferguson et al ., 2008 ; Klandermans and Mayer, 2006 ). Also, researchers have shown that right-wing attitudes do not show a strong correlation with psychological ill-being, and are less likely to stem from personal anxieties (Onraet and van Hiel, 2014 ). — Cristian Tileagă, The Nature of Prejudice, 314 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Sloganeering reaction to complexity tends to confirm existing prejudices — David Harvey, The Condition of Postmodernity: An…, 2182; Perceived entitativity alone, not homogeneity or essentialism, drives stereotyping; Increasing cognitive complexity of one’s own identities reduces out-group prejudice without abandoning those identities — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 587 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Perceiving a group as an entity precedes stereotyping and discrimination against it #complicates (0.73) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 288
• Blatant prejudice is as complex and context-dependent as subtle prejudice #complicates (0.72) — Cristian Tileagă, The Nature of Prejudice, 314