Abstract
Previous studies on biased intergroup perceptions of outgroups’ irrationality mostly treated the target groups as opponents and rivals. In three studies, we extended this line of research and tested the hypothesis that individuals who challenge the existing social hierarchy exhibit more positive biases toward low-status outgroup members. We also hypothesized that when irrational thinking is framed as an important human trait, this bias is reduced among low social dominance orientation (SDO) individuals. In three studies (N = 169, N = 450, and N = 161), conducted in countries that vary in power distance levels (Poland, Spain, Sweden and Turkey), we examined under which conditions low-status outgroups are perceived as more rational than ingroup members. The results show that in a condition without irrationality framed as a human trait, psychology students (Study 1 and Study 2) and nonstudents low in group-based dominance orientation (Study 3) perceive outgroup members as less irrational than ingroup members. However, when participants were reminded that irrationality is a human trait, the perceived differences between in- and outgroup members were reduced. This effect was observed in all four countries (Study 1 and Study 2) and held when variables related to the tendency to behave in a socially desirable way were controlled for (Study 3).
Highlights
Previous studies on biased intergroup perceptions of outgroups’ irrationality mostly treated the target groups as opponents and rivals
Considering positive attitudes toward marginalized groups and low-status individuals among hierarchy-attenuating people, we propose that individuals who challenge the existing social hierarchy could exhibit positive biases toward low-status outgroup members
We argue that in the context of emphasizing that it is natural for humans to be irrational and exhibit cognitive biases, hierarchy-attenuating low social dominance orientation (SDO) individuals do not attribute more rationality to the low-status outgroup as these individuals would see it as dehumanizing or hierarchy-enhancing
Summary
Previous studies on biased intergroup perceptions of outgroups’ irrationality mostly treated the target groups as opponents and rivals. When participants were reminded that irrationality is a human trait, the perceived differences between in- and outgroup members were reduced This effect was observed in all four countries (Study 1 and Study 2) and held when variables related to the tendency to behave in a socially desirable way were controlled for (Study 3). People tend to attribute negative reasons to opponents’ attitudes and positive reasons to ingroup attitudes (Bäck, 2013; Bäck & Lindholm, 2014; Kennedy & Pronin, 2008) Such attributions of irrationality can be observed on social networking sites: During online chats and discussions, opponents often face harsh adjectives, commonly related to their mental health and lack of rationality This paper explores the understudied topic of positive outgroup biases, bias toward low-status outgroups
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