Perceived Group Variability in Intergroup Relations: The Distinctive Role of Social Identity

Abstract

Research on perceptions of group variability has traditionally focused on the explanation of the so-called outgroup homogeneity effect. More recently, the conditions under which the opposite effect may occur, perceptions of relative ingroup homogeneity, have also received attention. The present article is not directly concerned with either outgroup or ingroup homogeneity per se, but examines the contextual and identity-based determinants of both ingroup and outgroup variability judgements. Specifically, we argue and empirically demonstrate that group variability judgements may vary as a function of: (a) the intragroup vs. intergroup nature of the social context; (b) whether there is a threat to the image of the group; (c) the presence of reality constraints; (d) the degree of ingroup identification; and (e) the temporal dynamics of intergroup relations. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the literature on outgroup and ingroup homogeneity effects.