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🎠social psychology review

Stereotype content model

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The stereotype content model (SCM) is a psychological theory that proposes that people categorize others based on two primary dimensions: warmth and competence. This model helps explain how individuals perceive different social groups, leading to specific stereotypes that shape attitudes and behaviors towards these groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The stereotype content model identifies four primary groups based on their perceived warmth and competence: high warmth and high competence (e.g., in-group members), high warmth and low competence (e.g., elderly), low warmth and high competence (e.g., professionals), and low warmth and low competence (e.g., homeless individuals).
  2. The perception of warmth often influences emotional responses towards a group, where groups seen as warm tend to elicit feelings of pity or sympathy, while those seen as cold may provoke contempt or disdain.
  3. Competence perceptions are linked to feelings of admiration or envy; groups seen as competent may be admired for their achievements but can also provoke envy, particularly if they are perceived as threatening.
  4. The stereotype content model suggests that stereotypes can change based on context, as the perceived traits of a group can shift depending on societal attitudes or current events.
  5. Understanding the stereotype content model can help in addressing social issues by promoting awareness of biases and encouraging more nuanced views of social groups.

Review Questions

  • How does the stereotype content model categorize social groups, and what implications does this have for understanding intergroup relations?
    • The stereotype content model categorizes social groups along two key dimensions: warmth and competence. These dimensions help determine the emotional responses elicited by different groups, influencing how individuals interact with each other. For instance, groups perceived as warm might foster sympathy, while those seen as competent may invoke admiration or envy. This categorization provides insight into the dynamics of intergroup relations, illustrating how perceptions can shape behaviors and attitudes toward different social groups.
  • In what ways do the dimensions of warmth and competence impact emotional responses toward different social groups within the framework of the stereotype content model?
    • Within the framework of the stereotype content model, the dimensions of warmth and competence play crucial roles in shaping emotional responses. Groups that are perceived as warm typically elicit feelings of sympathy or pity, whereas those viewed as lacking warmth may generate feelings of contempt. On the other hand, groups assessed as competent may inspire admiration or jealousy. The interplay between these dimensions informs not only individual attitudes but also societal dynamics by creating diverse emotional landscapes in intergroup interactions.
  • Evaluate how the stereotype content model can be applied to address societal issues related to prejudice and discrimination.
    • The stereotype content model can be effectively applied to address societal issues surrounding prejudice and discrimination by highlighting the roles that perceived warmth and competence play in shaping attitudes. By fostering awareness of these dimensions, individuals and organizations can develop strategies to counteract negative stereotypes and promote understanding among diverse groups. For example, interventions can aim to reshape perceptions by emphasizing positive traits of marginalized communities, ultimately reducing prejudice and encouraging more equitable treatment across social groups. This approach not only enhances intergroup relations but also contributes to a broader culture of inclusivity.