UCLA

Three studies demonstrate the manner in which a social policy, due to the stereotypes it communicates, can serve as a damaging psychological context that negatively biases attitudes and behaviors. In line with Richeson and Shelton's call for a more relational, interactive model of interracial interactions (2006), a dyadic view of stereotyping and bias is advanced. This dissertation highlights the negative intergroup interaction triggered by the policy of cross-deputization, which authorizes police officers to enforce immigration statutes, due to the stereotypes it communicates. Study 1 demonstrates that cross-deputization policy communicates two stereotypes: that police officers are racist and that Latinos are undocumented immigrants. Study 2 shows that those low-status (Latino) individuals who are vigilant for these stereotypes experience stereotype threat, intergroup anxiety, and expect more negative interactions with members of the high-status group (police). Study 3 shows that, again in response to cross-deputization policy, the aversion of high-status (police) individuals to these same stereotypes engenders stereotype threat and negative treatment of the low-status group (Latinos). Implications of cross-deputization policy for intergroup relations in the United States are discussed.