This essay will explain stereotypes by exploring same-sex groups and attitudes towards same-sex marriage. First, highlighting the importance of social groups and membership of groups. Additionally, how social dominance orientation is developed in attitudes and prejudice. Second, the possibility of changing stereotype attitudes and behaviors is discussed by examining family, educational and media connections to same-sex groups. Opposition to same-sex marriage by religious and right wing conservatism groups are examined. Lastly, exploring how the findings within this essay, impact the referendums on gay marriage. Schacter, D., Gilbert, D., & Wegner, D., defined stereotyping as, “The process by which people draw inferences about others based on their knowledge of the categories in which others belong.” Stereotypes play an important role within our lives; when we encounter new situations, and need to have some understanding of expectations, they can be beneficial. Assumptions are made, and prejudices are formed that contribute to discrimination. This discrimination can project both positive and negative behaviours towards different groups, and individuals within them. Poteat, V. P., & Anderson, C. J., researched the importance of social groups, and social dominance orientation (SDO). The study was on 380 adolescents, analysed over a 2 year period. It looked at how protecting the value and distinctiveness of different social groups, can motivate individuals to resist same-sex marriage, and conform to heterosexual identity. Individuals adopt views held by a social group, to form a sense of belonging, which then highlights the differences a minority out-group pose. This contributes towards continued prejudiced attitudes of minorities. Pratto, F., Sidanius, J., Stallworth, L. M., & Malle, B. F. proposed that SDO's are hierarchies within society. Heterosexual adolescents may come to adopt more powerful SDO beliefs, as they develop a sense of membership within their dominant group which distinguishes them from sexual minorities. An important limitation of the study is that it didn't ask the sexual orientation of the participants, which could have contributed to the emerging attitude changes towards gay people. Kaufman, G. F., & Libby, L. K. studied the positive impact of delaying the revelation of an individual’s sexual orientation; it can influence attitudes towards people of a different social group. Their study comprised of seventy-eight male undergraduates, identifying themselves as heterosexual.