Understanding intergroup relations through the lens of implicit theories (mindsets) of malleability

Rattan, A and Georgeac, O (2017) Understanding intergroup relations through the lens of implicit theories (mindsets) of malleability. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 11 (4). e12305. ISSN 1751-9004

Abstract

This review argues that implicit theories of malleability are essential constructs for the study of intergroup dynamics. As one of people’s core meaning-making tools, mindsets about malleability shed light on the mechanisms behind perceivers’ tendency to stereotype and feel prejudiced towards targets, as well as on the mechanisms underlying targets’ ability to shield against, and potentially confront, perceivers’ social bias. In addition to illuminating cross-group interaction dynamics between individuals, mindsets contribute to explaining the harmful processes at play in real-world protracted conflicts, and suggest interventions that may help lay the ground for peace processes. This review also aims to highlight areas of research that remain open for further investigation, or that have been overlooked to date. We argue that research integrating mindsets and intergroup relations will advance to our understanding of intergroup dynamics, as well as possibly offering insights on how to improving them, and that this approach will also further the study of lay theories of malleability.