If my group stereotypes others,others stereotype my group…and we know. Concept,research lines and future perspectives of meta-stereotypes

Abstract

This paper presents a review of sociopsychological literature on the recent topic of meta-stereotypes, i. e., beliefs that group members typically have about how others see them. The impact of meta-stereotypes on intergroup relations and their connection with stereotyping processes are analyzed.

Antecedents, concept and traits of meta-stereotypes are described in an attempt to show that meta-stereotypes fit into the general category of processes derived from group members' awareness that outgroup members stereotype their group. In order to arrive at a proper definition of meta-stereotypes, its differences with related concepts are underlined in the second section of the paper. A review of research published or in progress on meta-stereotypes follows, trying to show how they have contributed to the study of this process and to open new lines of research. Finally, three recent theoretical developments in social psychology, i.e., social stigma, stereotype threat, and empathy are analyzed and their connection with meta-stereotypes is emphasized.