Cross-National Outgroup Homogeneity: United States and South African Stereotypes

Abstract

Research on cross-national stereotypes has been largely descriptive, primarily examining the content of such stereotypes rather than exploring more process-related issues concerning stereotype formation, use, and change. One particular component of stereotypes that has implications for these issues is the perceived variability of social categories. In this article we report data from white United States and South African samples on the perceived variability of both groups. We find consistent support for the outgroup homogeneity effect in these data, that is, the tendency to see outgroups as less variable than ingroups. Additionally, we show that the perception of outgroup variability is negatively related to ethnocentrism or the tendency to engage in outgroup derogation. Finally, we explore whether outgroup familiarity and knowledge moderate these effects.