Rater wealth predicts perceptions of outgroup competence

National income has a pervasive influence on the perception of ingroup stereotypes, with high status and wealthy targets perceived as more competent. In two studies we investigated the degree to which economic wealth of raters related to perceptions of outgroup competence. Raters’ economic wealth predicted trait ratings when (1) raters in 48 other cultures rated Americans’ competence and (2) Mexican Americans rated Anglo Americans’ competence. Rater wealth also predicted ratings of interpersonal warmth on the culture level. In conclusion, raters’ economic wealth, either nationally or individually, is significantly associated with perception of outgroup members, supporting the notion that ingroup conditions or stereotypes function as frames of reference in evaluating outgroup traits.

► We investigated relationships of rater wealth with ratings of outgroup competence.
► Increasing rater culture GDP related to decreases of perceived American competence.
► Increasing rater family income also related to decreases in ratings of competence.
► Both self and ingroup wealth may affect outgroup personality perception.