In time, we will simply disappear: Racial demographic shift undermines privileged group members' support for marginalized social groups via collective angst. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stefaniak, Anna; Wohl, Michael J. A.
• Other Names: Hodson Gordon guest-editor.; Earle Megan guest-editor.; Craig Maureen A. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Group processes and intergroup relations. Volume 25:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: NP1
• Page End: NP23
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Black Lives Matter -- collective angst -- existential threat -- racial demographic shift -- zero-sum beliefs; Intergroup relations -- Periodicals; Social groups -- Periodicals; 302.305
• DOI: 10.1177/13684302211023551
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4302

Abstract

The racial demographic shift occurring in many Western countries provides a unique context to study the reactions of a high-power group (White people) to the potential loss of their privileged position in society. Three experiments ( N = 77, N = 302, N = 555) conducted in Canada, the US, and the UK showed that White people who are reminded about the ongoing demographic changes and who see race relations as a zero-sum game whereby any gains by minorities must come at the expense of the majority, experience stronger collective angst and, to a lesser extent, fear (but not anger). In turn, collective angst, but not the other negative group-based emotions, fuels their motivation to protect the existing intergroup hierarchy by withdrawing support for progressive social movements and increases anti-immigration sentiments. Downregulating the existential threat experienced by White majorities in the face of a racial demographic shift may be one way to reduce acrimonious behavioral intentions aimed at preserving their place in the social hierarchy.