1
|
Vargas Salfate S, Stern C. Is contact among social class groups associated with legitimation of inequality? An examination across 28 countries. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:572-590. [PMID: 38009906 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Is class-based contact associated with legitimation of inequality? Drawing from the idea that people adopt beliefs predominant in groups with whom they interact, we hypothesized that upper-class contact would correspond to greater legitimation of inequality, whereas lower-class contact would correspond to lesser legitimation of inequality among lower- and upper-class individuals. We also hypothesized that middle-class individuals might possess a more precarious identity, leading lower-class contact to correspond to higher legitimation of inequality. We tested hypotheses using a nationally representative sample from Chile (N = 4446; Study 1), and nationally representative samples from 28 countries (N = 43,811; Study 2). Support for hypotheses was mixed. Upper-class contact was often associated with greater legitimation of inequality, whereas lower-class contact was frequently related to lower legitimation of inequality. Patterns emerged among most social class groups, but there was also variation across groups. We discuss potential explanations for results along with theoretical implications for class-based contact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chadly Stern
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Johnson SK, Thomas K. Racial ideology, system justification, and just world belief in African Americans. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1193278. [PMID: 38144984 PMCID: PMC10739316 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1193278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Just world belief and system justification have previously been proposed to explain actions and beliefs of disadvantaged groups, but rarely together and never simultaneously in participants of color. A necessary expansion of work in this area is among African-American participants with differing views of race and how those views influence justice perceptions. Racial ideologies, used in African-American racial identity research, were studied as possible predictors of belief in a just world and system justification scores. The four racial ideologies examined in this study are assimilationist, humanist, nationalist, and oppressed minority. The current study examines belief in a just world and system justification as predicted by racial ideology. Participants (n = 261) responded to an online survey containing racial ideology items from the Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI), the General and Personal Just World Scales, and the General System Justification Survey. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted, finding that nationalist ideology significantly predicted system justification and general just world belief.
Collapse
|
3
|
Rubin M, Kevin Owuamalam C, Spears R, Caricati L. A social identity model of system attitudes (SIMSA): Multiple explanations of system justification by the disadvantaged that do not depend on a separate system justification motive. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/10463283.2022.2046422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Rubin
- Durham University and the University of Newcastle, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rubin M, Owuamalam CK, Spears R, Caricati L. Social identity explanations of system justification: Misconceptions, criticisms, and clarifications. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/10463283.2023.2184578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Rubin
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | | | - Russell Spears
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Science, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Caricati
- Dipartimento di Discipline Umanistiche, Socali e delle Impresse Culturali, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caricati L, Owuamalam CK, Casini A, Passini S, Moscato G. Editorial: Exploring system justification phenomenon among disadvantaged individuals. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1104400. [PMID: 36687919 PMCID: PMC9850148 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1104400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Caricati
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy,*Correspondence: Luca Caricati ✉
| | - Chuma Kevin Owuamalam
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, Portland, OR, United States,Chuma Kevin Owuamalam ✉
| | - Annalisa Casini
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Stefano Passini
- Department of Education Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Moscato
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sainz M, Martínez R, Matamoros-Lima J, Moya M, Rodríguez-Bailón R. Perceived economic inequality enlarges the perceived humanity gap between low- and high-socioeconomic status groups. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-14. [PMID: 36545818 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2157699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we analyze the influence of the perceived level of economic inequality in daily life on people's recognition of the perceived humanity gap between low- and high-socioeconomic groups within society. To achieve this purpose, in Studies 1A-B, we analyzed the relationship between economic inequality and the humanity gap. In Studies 2A-B, we manipulated the level of inequality (low vs. high) to identify differences in the humanity gap. Results indicated that higher perceptions of economic inequality lead individuals to recognize a wider humanity gap between low- and high-socioeconomic groups in society. Implications are discussed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Caricati L, Owuamalam CK, Bonetti C. Do Superordinate Identification and Temporal/Social Comparisons Independently Predict Citizens' System Trust? Evidence From a 40-Nation Survey. Front Psychol 2021; 12:745168. [PMID: 34803829 PMCID: PMC8603914 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.745168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Do superordinate in-group bias as well as temporal and social comparisons offer standalone explanations for system justification? We addressed this question using the latest World Value Survey (7th Wave), combining the responses of 55,721 participants from 40 different nations. Results from a random slope multilevel model showed that superordinate (national) identification, temporal comparison (i.e., the outcomes of an individual relative to those of his/her parents at different time points), and social comparison (based on income levels) were independent and positive predictors of system justification. Specifically, system justification increased when national identification was high, when income increased (i.e., the socioeconomic comparison was positive), and when the outcomes of citizens improved relative to the outcomes of their parents at relevant time points (i.e., the temporal comparison was positive). Incidentally, we also observed an interaction between national identification and temporal comparison (but not with social comparison), indicating that positive temporal comparison seemed to have a reduced effect (but still significant) for highly identified citizens. These results are supportive of the social identity approach to system justification and suggest that support for societal systems is a positive function of people’s personal and group interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Caricati
- University of Parma, Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy
| | - Chuma Kevin Owuamalam
- Division of Organisational and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chiara Bonetti
- University of Parma, Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chayinska M, Uluğ ÖM, Solak N, Kanık B, Çuvaş B. Obstacles to Birth Surname Retention Upon Marriage: How Do Hostile Sexism and System Justification Predict Support for Marital Surname Change Among Women? Front Psychol 2021; 12:702553. [PMID: 34671288 PMCID: PMC8520949 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.702553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the ongoing shift in societal norms and gender-discriminatory practices toward more equality, many heterosexual women worldwide, including in many Western societies, choose to replace their birth surname with the family name of their spouse upon marriage. Previous research has demonstrated that the adherence to sexist ideologies (i.e., a system of discriminatory gender-based beliefs) among women is associated with their greater endorsement of practices and policies that maintain gender inequality. By integrating the ideas from the system justification theory and the ambivalent sexism theory, we proposed that the more women adhere to hostile and benevolent sexist beliefs, the more likely they would be to justify existing gender relations in society, which in turn, would positively predict their support for traditional, husband-centered marital surname change. We further argued that hostile (as compared to benevolent) sexism could act as a particularly strong direct predictor of the support for marital surname change among women. We tested these possibilities across three cross-sectional studies conducted among women in Turkey (Study 1, N=118, self-identified feminist women; Study 2, N=131, female students) and the United States (Study 3, N=140, female students). Results of Studies 1 and 3 revealed that higher adherence to hostile (but not benevolent) sexism was associated with higher support for marital surname change indirectly through higher gender-based system justification. In Study 2, the hypothesized full mediation was not observed. Consistent with our predictions, in all three studies, hostile (but not benevolent) sexism was found to be a direct positive predictor of the support for marital surname change among women. We discuss the role of dominant ideologies surrounding marriage and inegalitarian naming conventions in different cultures as obstacles to women’s birth surname retention upon marriage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chayinska
- School of Psychology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Özden Melis Uluğ
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Nevin Solak
- Department of Psychology, TED University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Betül Kanık
- Department of Psychology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Burcu Çuvaş
- Department of Psychology, TED University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ferrari F, Imperato C, Mancini T. Heteronormativity and the Justification of Gender Hierarchy: Investigating the Archival Data From 16 European Countries. Front Psychol 2021; 12:686974. [PMID: 34393913 PMCID: PMC8359921 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.686974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the framework of the System Justification Theory, this study tested on the archival data from 16 European countries the general hypothesis that homonegativity (HN), as an expression of gender binarism and heteronormativity, works as a legitimizing myth of gender hierarchy. Specifically, we hypothesized that (1) system justification (SJ) would positively relate to HN and (2) this relation would depend on the country level of gender hierarchy, (3) on the gender of respondents, and (4) on the interaction between gender hierarchy and gender. We selected the Gender Equality Index (GEI) as an indicator of the gender hierarchy of the country system and the items from the European Social Survey-Round 9 (ESS-9) as the indicators of the gender of respondents and the levels of SJ and HN. The Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) partially confirmed the hypotheses, suggesting HN to work as a blatant prejudice and being more viable as a legitimizing myth in females from countries with higher gender hierarchy and in males from more gender-equal countries. In both cases, HN serves as a myth to justify the ontological premise of participants that the world is fair and to counteract the cognitive dissonance generated by the perception of a gender-unequal system (in the case of a woman) or by the perception of a gender-equal system that can threaten gender privileges (in the case of a man).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ferrari
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Cultural Industry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Imperato
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Cultural Industry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mancini
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Cultural Industry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ingroup identification, hope and system justification: Testing hypothesis from social identity model of system attitudes (SIMSA) in a sample of LGBTQIA+ individuals. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe social identity model of system attitudes (SIMSA) suggests that system justification among low-status groups can be explained by ingroup identification and the hope for a collective future improvement. In this report, we summarize the results of a cross-sectional investigation concerning the relationship between system justification, hope and identification based on a sample of 200 LGBTQIA+ individuals (identifying themselves as non-normative with respect to gender identity and sexual orientation). The results were supportive of SIMSA expectations and showed that system justification was positively linked to hope for future advancement. Importantly, hope played a key role influencing the relations between ingroup identification and perceived ingroup status: for low-status individuals who had high hope, ingroup identification was positively associated with system justification. Limits are acknowledged.
Collapse
|
11
|
Szabó ZP, Lönnqvist JE. Who's in power matters: System justification and system derogation in Hungary between 2002 and 2018. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 56:679-687. [PMID: 33588518 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study employed European Social Survey (ESS) data collected between 2002 and 2018 to investigate system justification versus derogation in Hungary. In all nine ESS rounds, system derogation was stronger than system justification. System justification was consistently at its strongest among those who had voted for the ruling party, be it left-wing MSZP (until 2008) or right-wing Fidesz (2010 onward). This pattern can be explained by ego and group justification motives alone, with no need to posit an autonomous system justification motive. Voters of Jobbik, who were as right-wing as Fidesz voters, but whose party was not in power, did not believe the system to be any more just than did left-wing voters. Much of the research supporting system justification theory has been conducted in stable Western democracies. Our results highlight the need for research in more politically volatile contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Péter Szabó
- Department of Ergonomics and Psychology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jan-Erik Lönnqvist
- Swedish School of Social Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moscato G, Caricati L, Bonetti C. Political orientation and system justification: the moderating role of national identity in a Spanish sample ( Orientación política y justificación del sistema: el rol moderador de la identidad nacional en una muestra española). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/02134748.2020.1840756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
13
|
Demirtaş-Madran HA. Exploring the Motivation Behind Discrimination and Stigmatization Related to COVID-19: A Social Psychological Discussion Based on the Main Theoretical Explanations. Front Psychol 2020; 11:569528. [PMID: 33281671 PMCID: PMC7691585 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.569528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), was first detected in Wuhan province in China during late December 2019 and was designated as being highly infectious. The World Health Organization (WHO) labeled it a "pandemic" on March 11, 2020. Throughout human history, experience has shown that prejudices and viruses spread simultaneously during a viral pandemic. Outgroup members have been associated with various diseases and non-human vectors of diseases. Some epidemics have been named according to various outgroups, just as the novel coronavirus has been referred to by some as the "Wuhan virus" or the "Chinese virus." Associating a virus with a sociodemographic group builds a false illusionary correlation, which can lead to stigmatization and discrimination. Pandemics can also stimulate violent xenophobic reactions. Besides the obvious harmful consequences for the individuals targeted, pandemic-related discrimination also affects the spread of the virus through its effect on public attitudes toward prevention and restriction, health service procurement, and in the establishment of health-related policies. It is important to first understand the relevant concepts and processes, and also to understand the underlying causes of discrimination in order to fight it. Social psychology offers multidimensional and comprehensive explanations of prejudice and discrimination. This review's primary aim was to examine the motivations behind COVID-19-related discrimination based on social psychological perspectives. In line with this aim, the review first defines discrimination in detail, plus the related concepts and main social psychological theories on prejudice and discrimination. Then, pandemic-related discrimination in light of past experiences is discussed and explanations put forward for the theoretical perspectives and inferences specific to COVID-19. Finally, recommendations are made in order to prevent and combat discrimination related to infectious diseases.
Collapse
|
14
|
Caricati L, Moscato G, Bonetti C. Intergroup alliance orientation among intermediate-status group members: The role of stability of social stratification. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235931. [PMID: 32706771 PMCID: PMC7380587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Three studies have tested the hypothesis that intermediate-status groups are more oriented to ally with outgroups when their social position is under threat. In study 1, participants believed that their ingroup was intermediate in status and social stratification was manipulated as either stable or status-detrimental unstable. Results indicated that participants were more likely to seek alliances a) with a high-status group and b) when social stratification was status-detrimental unstable. Study 2 showed that participants were more likely to seek alliances with a lower status group when social stratification was status-detrimental unstable rather than stable, while they were supportive of policies helping disadvantaged groups regardless of the stability of social stratification. Study 3 showed that when social stratification was status-detrimental unstable, intermediate-status group members were more oriented to ally with a low-status group, equally supportive of policies helping disadvantaged groups, but less oriented to supplying direct help to a low-status group.
Collapse
|