Arroganza, competenza, calore? L’immagine degli Stati Uniti nel contesto italiano

The present studies were carried out in 2002, as a part of a cross-cultural project (Glick et al. 2006) and, successively, in 2003 and 2005. The Stereotype Content Model and the Image Theory are the theoretical frameworks. The questionnaire administered measured stereotypical traits, emotions, perceptions of the status, and judgments concerning aims and motivations of the target group. Results emerging from the studies showed that the USA were perceived as arrogant, competent, lacking of warmth, and as willing to dominate other countries. In expressing their evaluations, participants differentiated between USA population and USA governement. Differences were significant though modest. Effects related to participants’ political orientation were also discussed, as the differences related to their geographical origin, and the attitude changes due to the military intervention in Iraq