The Defecting Perspective-Taker : The Impact of Stereotypes and Perspective-Taking in a Prisoner's Dilemma

Galinsky, Ku, & Wang (2005) discuss the implications of perspective-taking induced self-other overlap for stereotyping and prejudice and suggested that whereas perspective-taking decreases stereotyping of others (through application of the self to the other), it increases stereotypicality of one's own behavior (through inclusion of the other in the self). To promote social bonds, perspective-takers utilize information, including stereotypes, to coordinate their behavior with others. Although social coordination may be designed to promote social bonds, at times coordination may threaten these bonds. The current investigation tests whether the content of the stereotype to which perspective-takers are exposed may moderate whether social coordination will naturally lead to supporting social bonds. In an experiment, perspective-takers of an African-American target defected more in a subsequent prisoner's dilemma game (PDG) than did control and suppression participants. On the other hand, perspective-takers of an Elderly target cooperated more in the PDG than did control and suppression participants. Through increases in social coordination, perspective-taking can be an engine of social harmony, but can reveal a dark side, one full of ironic consequences