How Can Stereotypes Be So Accurate Yet So Wrong?

Venue: B117. Theatre 1, Melbourne School of Design

Presenters: Professor Alice Eagly

Stereotypes of social groups have remarkable accuracy because they reflect everyday observations of group members’ behaviors in their typical roles. This research demonstrates this principle by showing that group members’ occupational roles are an important source of their stereotypes. Members of disadvantaged groups often contest their stereotypes because their content is consistent with their currently disadvantaged social position. Groups’ progress toward more advantaged status benefits from replacing these stereotypes with ones that are consistent with more desirable role occupancies. In this manner, social change and stereotype change are joined in a challenging and continually disputed alliance.

Alice Eagly is Professor of Psychology and of Management and Organizations, James Padilla Chair of Arts and Sciences, and Faculty Fellow in the Institute for Policy Research, all at Northwestern University.

This discussion will be relevant to those with an interest in gender in the workplace, diversity and inclusion, and women's leadership, from both a corporate and academic perspective. Please note that Professor Eagly's lecture will be followed by audience Q&A.

from
https://events.unimelb.edu.au/events/6329-how-can-stereotypes-be-so-accurate-yet-so-wrong