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Perceiving Low Social Mobility Induces Zero-Sum Beliefs About Social Hierarchies
Xue Wang1, Yuemin Zhuo2,3, Wei-Fen Chen4
1Business School, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|October 19, 2024
Summary
Individuals perceiving low social mobility view socioeconomic status (SES) changes as zero-sum, where one person's gain is another's loss. This belief, linked to scarcity mindset, predicts aggression.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Socioeconomic status (SES) can be viewed as absolute or relative.
- Perceptions of social mobility influence how individuals interpret SES changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between perceived social mobility and the viewpoint on socioeconomic status (SES) change.
- To explore the mediating role of scarcity mindset and the predictive relationship with aggression.
Main Methods:
- Five studies utilizing primary data collection.
- Supplementary analyses of secondary data.
- Statistical controls for perceived economic inequality, income, and education.
Main Results:
- Low perceived social mobility correlates with a relative viewpoint of SES change (zero-sum beliefs).
- This relationship is mediated by a scarcity mindset.
- The zero-sum belief regarding social hierarchies predicts aggressive tendencies.
Conclusions:
- Perceived social mobility shapes the understanding of socioeconomic status (SES) change as either zero-sum or non-zero-sum.
- Scarcity mindset and aggression are linked to beliefs about social mobility.
- Findings underscore the psychological impact of perceived societal fluidity on individual beliefs and behaviors.
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