Curb Your Positive Stereotypes: Counter-Stereotypical Interventions Improve Attention to Inequality and Discrimination Against Asian Americans

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Asian American Studies

Background:

• Asian Americans face poverty, yet "model minority" stereotypes obscure their struggles.
• Stereotypes lead to misperceptions of economic and psychological challenges.
• Existing research often overlooks the nuanced inequalities within the Asian American community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if counter-stereotypical narratives reduce stereotype-driven misperceptions.
• To examine if these narratives improve recognition of Asian American inequalities.
• To assess the impact of economic and psychological challenge narratives on beliefs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nationally representative U.S. sample (N = 2,983).
• Employed counter-stereotypical narratives focusing on economic hardship and psychological challenges.
• Conducted follow-up studies to measure changes in perception and bias.

Main Results:

• Interventions moderated both trait-based (e.g., "hardworking") and structural beliefs (e.g., "less discrimination").
• Participants showed reduced income overestimation for low-income Asian Americans.
• Bias in recognizing resource allocation inequality decreased, and discrimination identification increased.

Conclusions:

• Stereotype-challenging messages can foster more accurate and empathetic perceptions.
• Awareness of structural disadvantages is key to challenging stereotypes.
• Interventions can improve understanding without diminishing positive regard for Asian Americans.