Trait valence is reversed by role context, not intrinsic to the trait.

Evidence

Even unfavorably evaluated qualities, such as extremely dominant behavior, can be positively evaluated if they are considered within a specific role context in which they are useful, such as engaging in competitive activity (Diekman, 2001). As these examples show, personal qualities that are positive in the abstract can take on less positive or even negative connotations in the context of incongruent roles, and qualities that are negative in the abstract can take on less negative or even positive connotations. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 197 (#expands, via linked claim)

Even unfavorably evaluated qualities, such as extremely dominant behavior, can be positively evaluated if they are considered within a specific role context in which they are useful, such as engaging in competitive activity (Diekman, 2001). As these examples show, personal qualities that are positive in the abstract can take on less positive or even negative connotations in the context of incongruent roles, and qualities that are negative in the abstract can take on less negative or even positive connotations. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 197 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Trait evaluation is context-dependent and flips with role fit — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 197; Role change alters stereotypes rather than stereotypes fixing roles immutably. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 222; Positively stereotyped traits become liabilities when mismatched to role requirements (+10 more)

Broader Connections

• Trait evaluation is context-dependent and flips with role fit #expands (0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 197
• Abstractly negative traits turn positive in roles that reward them #exemplifies (0.94) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 197
• Positively stereotyped traits become liabilities when mismatched to role requirements #exemplifies (0.93)
• Positive stereotyped traits become double-edged liabilities in incongruent roles #exemplifies (0.92) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 195
• Ambiguous roles give personalities more sway than structured ones do. #complicates (0.76)
• Negative overall stereotypes bar groups from prestigious roles lacking positive attributes #complicates (0.72) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 213