Examining Stereotype Content Model in a Chinese context: Inter-group structural relations and Mainland Chinese's stereotypes towards Hong Kong Chinese

Based on Stereotype Content Model (Fiske et al., 2002), in the current study we examined Mainland Chinese's stereotypes towards Hong Kong Chinese, and whether perceived inter-group structural relations between the two Chinese groups predicted different components of stereotypes. A survey study was conducted among 183 Mainland Chinese college students. The results showed that in addition to the traits (competence and warmth) proposed by Stereotype Content Model, values and beliefs also served as important components of stereotypes towards Hong Kong Chinese. Canonical correlations revealed that perceptions of the higher status and greater westernization of Hong Kong society were related to stereotypes of greater competence, along with westernized values and beliefs judged to be held by Hong Kong people. Perception of stronger competition from Hong Kong Chinese was related to stereotypes of lower warmth and greater social cynicism of the Hong Kong Chinese. These findings were discussed in terms of the historical, societal and inter-group context characterizing these two groups and how future research could illuminate this complex, embedded process.