Are stereotypes intrinsically erroneous? Do they have pragmatic value? What constitutes an adequate social judgement? These and other questions are answered in this ambitious and interesting book. While advancing a novel perspective, Stereotypes and Social Cognition also provides a coherent and much needed overview of the key arguments and empirical developments in research on stereotypes.

Starting with a definition of stereotypes, the authors cover a wide range of diverse literatures and theoretical perspectives to present a comprehensive critique of the subject. The text spans a review of the classical work on psychodynamic and authoritarian theories through to contemporary sociocultural research. Moreover, the authors offer a close analysis of key theoretical approaches including social identity theory, social cognition and self-categorization theory.

At the same time relevant cross-cultural issues are explored. This clearly-written and engaging book will be essential reading for students and academics in social psychology and for anyone with an interest in the phenomenon of social stereotyping.