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Reactions to Vanguards. Advances in Backlash Theory

  • Laurie A. Rudman
  • , Corinne A. Moss-Racusin
  • , Peter Glick
  • , Julie E. Phelan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Backlash refers to social and economic penalties for counterstereotypical behavior (Rudman, 1998). By penalizing vanguards (atypical role models), backlash reinforces cultural stereotypes as normative rules. We present the Backlash and Stereotype Maintenance Model (BSMM), supported by studies of gender and racial vanguards (Phelan & Rudman, 2010a; Rudman & Fairchild, 2004). The BSSM illuminates when and why backlash occurs, as well as its effects on potential targets. We provide evidence for the Status Incongruity Hypothesis, which posits that targets who violate status expectations are especially likely to suffer backlash because system-justification motives play a key role in backlash (Moss-Racusin, Phelan, & Rudman, 2010; Rudman, Moss-Racusin, Phelan, & Nauts, 2011). The Backlash Avoidance Model describes how fear of backlash not only limits people's aspirations but also undermines their performance in atypical domains (Moss-Racusin, 2011; Moss-Racusin & Rudman, 2010). Finally, we discuss how advances in backlash theory might guide future research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Experimental Social Psychology
Pages167-227
Number of pages61
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Social Psychology
Volume45
ISSN (Print)0065-2601

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology

Keywords

  • Backlash effects
  • Discrimination
  • Impression formation
  • Impression management
  • Prejudice
  • Stereotypes

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