The impact of multicultural vs. colorblind ideologies on prejudice and intergroup emotions

Amber Linssen Garcia, Purdue University

Abstract

Three studies examined the relationship between intergroup ideologies, intergroup contact, intergroup emotions, and prejudice. In Study 1, participants who endorsed a multicultural ideology reported lower levels of prejudice toward African Americans, and this relationship was mediated by negative emotions and negative stereotypes. In Study 2, the direct effect of intergroup contact on prejudice was mediated by positive emotions felt toward African Americans, but only for participants primed with a multicultural message, as opposed to a colorblind message. Study 3 provided preliminary evidence that participants primed with a multicultural message showed greater social category salience during an intergroup interaction, as measured by stereotype accessibility, than those primed with a colorblind message ( p = .06). The implications for framing intergroup ideology messages are discussed.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Smith, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social psychology

COinS