Cultural styles, relational schemas, and prejudice against out-groups

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2000 Aug;79(2):174-89. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.79.2.174.

Abstract

Two studies provide evidence that Latins (i.e., Mexicans and Mexican Americans) are guided by a concern with socioemotional aspects of workplace relations to a far greater degree than are Anglo-Americans. The focus on socioemotional considerations results in Latins having a relatively greater preference for workgroups having a strong interpersonal orientation. Preferred relational style had a far greater impact on preferences for workgroups and judgments about their likely success than did the ethnic composition of the workgroups for both Latins and Anglo-Americans. Evidence that the two groups differ markedly in relational schemas comes from examination of suggestions about how group performance could be improved, judgments about whether a focus on socioemotional concerns necessarily entails a reduction in task focus, and recall for socioemotional aspects of workgroup interactions. Implications for the dynamics of intercultural contact are discussed.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Cultural Characteristics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Mexican Americans / psychology*
  • Mexico
  • Social Perception*
  • Southwestern United States
  • United States
  • White People / psychology*
  • Workplace*