When are we better than them and they worse than us? A closer look at social discrimination in positive and negative domains

Katherine J. Reynolds*, John C. Turner, S. Alexander Haslam

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    129 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The Australian National University This article argues that in-group favoritism occurs on positive and negative dimensions only when the dimensions of comparison provide an appropriate and meaningful basis for self-other definition, that is, when traits comparatively and normatively fit in-group-out-group categorizations. Three studies are reported in which groups were evaluated on positive or negative traits that varied in their degree of normative fit to in-group and out-group identity. In line with predictions, fit rather than stimulus valence was the crucial determinant of (a) in-group favoritism and (b) absolute level of differentiation between groups. Implications of the findings for explanations of positive-negative asymmetry and broader understandings of intergroup discrimination are discussed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)64-80
    Number of pages17
    JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology
    Volume78
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2000

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