A model of (often mixed) stereotype content: Competence and warmth respectively follow from perceived status and competition.

TLDR

Stereotype research emphasizes systematic processes, yet content can also be systematic. The study proposes the stereotype content model, hypothesizing that competence and warmth are the two primary dimensions, with mixed clusters and distinct emotions differentiating the four combinations. The authors tested the model by predicting that status predicts competence and competition predicts low warmth, using nine varied samples that rated gender, ethnicity, race, class, age, and disability out‑groups. The results confirm that competence and warmth are distinct dimensions, many stereotypes are mixed (pitying or envying), and status predicts competence while competition predicts low warmth.

Abstract

Stereotype research emphasizes systematic processes over seemingly arbitrary contents, but content also may prove systematic. On the basis of stereotypes' intergroup functions, the stereotype content model hypothesizes that (a) 2 primary dimensions are competence and warmth, (b) frequent mixed clusters combine high warmth with low competence (paternalistic) or high competence with low warmth (envious), and (c) distinct emotions (pity, envy, admiration, contempt) differentiate the 4 competence-warmth combinations. Stereotypically, (d) status predicts high competence, and competition predicts low warmth. Nine varied samples rated gender, ethnicity, race, class, age, and disability out-groups. Contrary to antipathy models, 2 dimensions mattered, and many stereotypes were mixed, either pitying (low competence, high warmth subordinates) or envying (high competence, low warmth competitors). Stereotypically, status predicted competence, and competition predicted low warmth.