expectation-states theory

a sociological explanation of status differentiation in groups proposing that group members allocate status not only to those who possess qualities suggesting competence at a task (specific-status characteristics) but also to those who have qualities that the members (mistakenly) think are indicators of competence and potential, such as sex, age, wealth, and ethnicity (diffuse-status characteristics). See also status generalization.

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Psychology term of the day

October 25th 2024

depth-oriented brief therapy

a form of brief psychotherapy that applies principles of constructivist psychotherapy in a time-limited fashion.