Perceived economic inequality enlarges the perceived humanity gap between low- and high-socioeconomic status groups

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, we analyze the influence of the perceived level of economic inequality in daily life on people’s recognition of the perceived humanity gap between low- and high-socioeconomic groups within society. To achieve this purpose, in Studies 1A–B, we analyzed the relationship between economic inequality and the humanity gap. In Studies 2A–B, we manipulated the level of inequality (low vs. high) to identify differences in the humanity gap. Results indicated that higher perceptions of economic inequality lead individuals to recognize a wider humanity gap between low- and high-socioeconomic groups in society. Implications are discussed.