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Discrimination between dominant and subordinate groups: the positive-negative asymmetry effect and normative
Catherine E Amiot1, Richard Y Bourhis
1Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada. c.amiot@psy.uq.edu.au
The British Journal of Social Psychology
|July 12, 2005
Summary
Dominant groups initially show more discrimination, but the positive-negative asymmetry effect (PNAE) emerges later, with less discrimination for negative outcomes. In-group norms and social identity influence these intergroup discrimination behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- The minimal group paradigm (MGP) establishes that mere categorization can lead to intergroup discrimination.
- The positive-negative asymmetry effect (PNAE) suggests discrimination is less pronounced when distributing negative outcomes compared to positive ones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate discriminatory behavior in dominant and subordinate groups using a combined polarization and MGP approach.
- To examine how positive and negative outcome distributions influence discrimination across different group power dynamics and consensus phases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combined polarization paradigm and minimal group paradigm (MGP) with 197 participants.
- Assessed discriminatory behavior during private outcome distributions (pre-consensus), intragroup discussion (consensus), and post-consensus private distributions.
- Examined distributions of both positive (salary increases) and negative (salary cuts) outcomes.
Main Results:
- Initially, dominant groups exhibited greater discrimination than subordinate groups, and the PNAE was not observed in pre-consensus private distributions.
- The PNAE emerged during consensus and post-consensus phases, with participants discriminating less during salary cuts than salary increases.
- The initial power effect (dominant vs. subordinate discrimination) disappeared during the consensus and post-consensus phases.
Conclusions:
- In-group norms developed during face-to-face discussions significantly impact discriminatory behavior, leading to the emergence of the PNAE.
- Social identity processes play a crucial role in mediating intergroup discrimination, particularly in the context of consensus-building and outcome distribution.
- The study highlights the dynamic nature of intergroup discrimination, influenced by group power, outcome valence, and social interaction dynamics.