The Guilford Press The Psychology of Stereotyping (Distinguished Contributions in Psychology)

The first comprehensive treatment of stereotypes and stereotyping, this text synthesizes a vast body of social and cognitive research that has emerged over the past-quarter century. Provided is an unusually broad analysis of stereotypes as products both of individual cognitive activities and of social and cultural forces. While devoting careful attention to harmful aspects of stereotypes, their connections to prejudice and discrimination, and effective strategies for countering them, the volume also examines the positive functions of generalizations in helping people navigate a complex world. Unique features include four chapters addressing the content of stereotypes, which consider such topics as why certain traits are the focus of stereotyping and how they become attributed to particular groups. An outstanding text for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, the volume is highly readable and features many useful examples. Review This is without question the authoritative source on stereotyping. Issues of stereotype formation, representation, content, change, and much more are all covered in superb detail and with enviable clarity. I recommend this volume very highly for undergraduate and graduate courses in stereotyping and intergroup relations.--Miles Hewstone, DPhil, Professor of Social Psychology, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UKA true tour de force. This text provides wonderfully comprehensive coverage of a literature that has grown exponentially in recent decades. An impressive variety of topics are addressed in a thorough, informative way: theories of stereotypes, how structure influences processing, stereotype development and change, connections to prejudice and discrimination, the content and origins of prominent stereotypes, and more. In each case, state-of-the-art research developments are situated in their historical context and integrated into the 'big picture' of the field. Schneider's writing is highly engaging, with extensive use of examples and personal anecdotes that effectively illustrate his points. A valuable contribution, highly recommended.--David L. Hamilton, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa BarbaraSchneider has produced a meticulously researched and yet easily readable book about stereotypes, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. It is a superb mix of formal scholarship and informal anecdotes and illustrations. There are a lot of new and interesting ideas presented, as well as plenty of leads to guide research. I consider myself as an expert on intergroup attitudes, but I learned a lot by reading this book. A 'must read' for anyone interested in this complex and important field.--Charles Stangor, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College ParkIn a scholarly, authoritative voice--tempered by personal touches and everyday examples--Schneider takes a careful, balanced look at our assumptions about stereotyping. He places cutting-edge contemporary research in the context of historical classics. This complete and even-handed text relies on firm ground, namely the research itself. Both students and faculty will learn from it.--Susan T. Fiske, PhD, Department of Psychology, Princeton UniversityIn the 50 years since Allport published his classic book on prejudice, the number of quantitative studies on the topic has increased from 100 to well over 5,000. Schneider has confronted this enormous literature and produced a book that examines with intelligence and care the topics of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, and weaves into it his continuing interest in person perception and attribution. Schneider considers an enormous range of research and theory, and does so with a rare combination of theoretical neutrality and critical acumen. His marvelous book is essential reading for both new students and more advanced students who wish to appreciate the full complexity and