Intersectionality and the stereotype content model: cognitive, affective, and behavioral consequences for multiply-categorized individuals

Intersectional theory states that individuals with multiple identity categorizations have unique experiences that are not simply predicted from the sum or average of their constituent categorizations but, rather, some interaction. The present study examined the utility of the stereotype content model (SCM) to test and refine intersectional theory. Specifically, the proposed study examined how having one minority identity interacts with another to affect person perception, with a focus on older adults. The primary categories of interest include the following minority groups and their combinations: older adults (chronological age), Black individuals, sexual minority persons, and women. The SCM structures groups on dimensions of warmth and competence, with the different combinations of warmth and competence being associated with specific affective and behavioral correlates. It was predicted that the SCM would effectively forecast warmth-competence ratings of the various intersecting subgroups, allowing hypotheses derived from intersectional theory to be tested. Results generally suggested the ratings of intersectional subgroups, such as Black older adults, were not accurately predicted by the numeric sum or average of the constituent identities (Black individuals and older adults), but a unique interaction between the two identity groups, consistent with intersectional theory. Implications for theory are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology - Experimental

Grantor

Texas Tech University

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Hancock, David Ward

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Talley, Amelia E.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Ireland, Molly E.
• Davis, Tyler
• Greenlee, Lindsay

• Stereotypes and prejudice
• Intersectionality

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/2346/74388

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ttu-ir.tdl.org:2346/74388