Abstract:
Social identities are comprised of multiple group memberships. Although psychologists often research intersecting identities (e.g., race and sexual orientation), an oft-ignored group in this line of work are immigrants. Using the stereotype content model (SCM), we examined how perceptions of different race/ethic groups (White, East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Not-specified) differ at the intersect of immigrant status (Canadian, Immigrant, Non-Canadian). Perceptions of warmth, competence, and attitudes towards target groups varying on immigration status were assessed using the SCM and a feeling thermometer. Although extant research suggest that racial minorities have different perceptions of members who are citizens versus immigrants (e.g., new immigrants seen as "fresh off the boat"), our work suggests that perceivers in general differentiate along racial boundaries despite explicit "Canadian" and "Immigrant" labels. That is, attitudes and perceptions of individuals were more similar for same-race, rather than same-immigrant status targets.