Recent theories suggest that stereotype content is best described along two dimensions, warmth and competence, which in turn give rise to specific actions (e.g., discrimination). Based on this framework, we explored the content of stereotypes about immigrants of different nationalities. Moreover, we examined relations of stereotype content with groups’ perceived socio-structural characteristics. Also, building on theories of prejudice, we investigated the role of participants’ ideological beliefs about group hierarchies and competitiveness for stereotype content. Initial studies served to identify the most salient immigrant groups in two regions of Switzerland. Regions differed with respect to the official language (French, German). In two studies, we assessed stereotype content, perceived status and competition of these groups. Moreover, we measured participants’ Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) and Belief in a Competitive World (BCW). Results showed that warmth and competence stereotypes varied as a function of target group nationality and of language-region. In general, competence and warmth stereotypes corresponded to perceived differences in status and competition. SDO was negatively related to perceived competence of immigrant groups. Moreover, the impact of SDO on competence stereotypes was stronger for the most negatively stereotyped groups than for those receiving more positive stereotypes. Finally, SDO moderated the relation between status and perceived competence: The relation was stronger for people high in SDO than for people low in SDO. BCW, in turn, was negatively related to perceived warmth of the immigrant groups but had no moderation effects. We discuss the implications of these findings for theories of stereotype content and for discrimination against immigrants
