Underdog Status Yields Support for Musicians

Abstract

Prior research suggests that underdogs elicit from others an increased affiliation (e.g., liking, identification) as well as an increased desire for success (e.g., support). In the present study, we examined whether or not people similarly endorsed underdog, relative to topdog, musicians. In Study 1, we found that underdog (relative to topdog) musicians received greater affiliation, in the form of higher interpersonal evaluations, and support, in the form of greater desire for career success. Moreover, this support weakened when statistically accounting for interpersonal support. Study 2 replicated Study 1 but additionally asked participants to listen to a sample of music ostensibly produced by the musician described prior to answering questions about the musician. Findings suggest that although underdog status did not bolster liking of the music sample itself, people nonetheless expressed greater affiliation and support for the musician. These findings emphasize the critical role of identity presentation in listeners’ evaluations of musicians, particularly when that musician communicates underdog status. We discuss the implications of underdog status on a musician’s identity as well as future research directions exploring the ways underdog status may be established and maintained. We additionally discuss the role of the aspects of music, such as the musician’s genre or platform, in communicating this underdog status.