Group differences in the legitimization of inequality: Questioning the role of social dominance orientation. (20th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pehrson, Samuel; Carvacho, Héctor; Sibley, Chris G.
• Is Part Of: British journal of social psychology. Volume 56:Part 1(2017:Mar.)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2016-10-20
• Subjects: benevolent sexism -- hostile sexism -- individual differences -- intergroup relations -- historical negation -- New Zealand -- prejudice -- social dominance orientation; Social psychology -- Periodicals; 302.05
• DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-6665

Abstract

Abstract : Social dominance orientation (SDO) is conceived as an individual's level of support for group‐based hierarchy in general that causes support for more specific group hierarchies. According to social dominance theory, group differences in SDO underpin ideological and behavioural group differences related to specific group hierarchies. Using representative 5‐year longitudinal panel data from New Zealand ( N = 3, 384), we test whether SDO mediates effects of sex and ethnicity on legitimizing myths (LMs) relating to gender and ethnic hierarchy over time. The SDO mediation hypothesis is supported in the case of hostile sexism. However, it is unsupported in the case of benevolent sexism and LMs relating to ethnic hierarchy, where there was no cross‐lagged effect of SDO. Moreover, being in the dominant ethnic group is associated with more legitimization of ethnic hierarchy but less legitimization of gender hierarchy, which is inconsistent with the notion of a general orientation underpinning group differences in legitimation. There was mixed evidence for a reverse path whereby specific LMs mediate group differences in SDO across time. We argue for the need to find alternative ways to theorize ideological consensus and difference between groups.