Variables asociadas a la identidad social satisfactoria y sus efectos diferenciales en el esencialismo endo y exogrupal

Abstract

Essentialism is the tendency to believe that social groups exist because their members share a common essence that determine them to be part of this group. The aim of this research is interesting on the effect of three identity variables (ingroup'svalence, status, and stability of categorical membership) in essentialist perception about an ingroup and out-group. The design was an experimental, quasi experimental with a unique post-test and control group. It evaluated the impact of independent variables in essentialist's adhesion. The design was an experimental, quasi experimental with a unique post-test and control groups. It evaluated the impact of independent variables on essentialist's belief adhesion. Two hundred participants were selected and assignedin a random way to one of eight possible experimental conditions. Essentialism was measured by a scale in two versions; one for the ingroup and the other for an outgroup. The results show that in the case of in-group's essentialism there was an interaction between valence and group status that implied that participants on"positive and powerful" condition adhered more to essentialist beliefs than those in a "negative and powerful" condition. On the other hand, a second interaction between valence and stability showed that participants in a "negative and stable" condition, adhered more to essentialist beliefs than participants on a "negative and unstable" condition. These results are discussed in their relationship with previews results studies, and their potential contribution to the comprehension of the dynamic of essentialism. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]