Tribal Stereotypes among Ethiopian Students

Abstract

Ethnic stereotyping by Ethiopian students of four important ethnolinguistic groups (the Amhara, Tigre, Galla, and Gurage) was investigated. The method used was a modification of the Katz and Braly technique for assessing generality of stereotypes. The tendency to stereotype both one's own and other groups was quite marked, and there was considerable overlap between in-group and out-group description. Where there were discrepancies, the in-group evaluation was more positive and the out-group evaluation more negative. Individuals showed consistent differences in tendency to stereotype. Some of the stereotypic adjectives used support earlier, European descriptions; others indicate that Ethiopian students' attitudes reflect the country's movement towards modernization and Westernization.