It's either you or me! Impact of deviations on social exclusion and leaving. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ditrich, Lara; Sassenberg, Kai
• Other Names: Marques José M. guest-editor.; Levine John M. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Group processes and intergroup relations. Volume 19:Number 5(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 630
• Page End: 652
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: control -- identity subversion -- individual mobility -- norm violation -- schism -- social exclusion; Intergroup relations -- Periodicals; Social groups -- Periodicals; 302.305
• DOI: 10.1177/1368430216638533
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4302

Abstract

When detecting deviations from group norms, observers often respond by attempting to exclude the deviates or by leaving the group. Despite the commonalities between these two impactful responses, they have rarely been addressed simultaneously. Therefore, three experiments investigated how deviant behavior in small groups relates to observers' intentions to exclude the deviate from the in-group and to leave that group themselves. Exclusion intentions are evoked by severe deviations from core elements of the group norm, mediated by heightened identity subversion (Studies 1–3). Study 3 demonstrated that leaving becomes more likely when perceived situational control is low—here evoked by acceptance of the deviant behavior by other in-group members, suggesting that aggravating conditions must be present for this response. Observing deviations seems to trigger leaving and exclusion intentions, yet they result from two distinct processes. We discuss our results in relation to work on group schism and literature on social exclusion.