Lower Social Dominance Orientation Research Articles

Correlation of higher right-wing authoritarianism and lower social dominance orientation with greater subjective well-being in China.

The associations between authoritarian personality and subjective well-being remains understudied, especially in China. In addition, as Chinese individuals and Chinese organizations generally attach importance to authority, exploring the matching effect of individual authoritarian personality and organizational culture (OC) can provide information for career selection, talent recruitment and university enrollment. The present study aimed to test associations between authoritarian personality traits (right-wing authoritarian, RWA; social dominance orientation, SDO) and subjective well-being (SWB; including positive affect, PA; negative affect, NA; and life satisfaction, LS) at the general and component-specific levels and the possible moderating role of OC (military or nonmilitary universities) on the associations in Chinese culture for the first time. A total of 6,580 Chinese students from military and nonmilitary universities were surveyed using the Right Wing Authoritarianism Scale, Social Dominance Orientation Scale, Campbell Index of Well-being, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. A higher score on RWA, but lower on SDO, correlated with greater SWB at both the general level and the component-specific levels. The links of RWA/SDO and positive factors (PA/LS) of SWB as well as latent SWB were moderated by the OC (being in military or nonmilitary universities). Specifically, these correlations were stronger for military than for civilian students. Further, although the moderating roles of OC existed in all three subgroups (sex, age, and socioeconomic status [SES] level), the negative link between OC and latent SWB existed in the male, younger, and high-SES individuals, while this link was not significant in female, older, and low-SES ones. The present study extends the findings of the moderating roles of organizational culture on the positive RWA-SWB relationship and the negative SDO-SWB relationship in oriental cultural contexts.

Exploring Egalitarianism: A Conceptual and Methodological Review of Egalitarianism and Impacts on Positive Intergroup Relations.

Considerable research on intergroup relations emphasizes attitudes, motivations, and emotions that lead to the reduction of prejudice. While factors that actively promote positive intergroup interactions have been emerging, a central theoretical framework has not been formally proposed. To address this gap, we engaged a positive psychology lens to explore how researchers have defined key indicators and consider the positive counterparts of traditional prejudice-reduction models to begin building a new framework of egalitarianism. After scanning 16,840 records that emerged in PsycInfo using keywords "egalitarian", "non-prejudice", and "intergroup", we assessed 158 articles for eligibility. Among the relevant articles (N = 54), we analyzed authors' definitions, methods of measurement, types of processes, and outcomes associated with egalitarian values as they related to intergroup behavior. Overall, there was notable variability in how researchers conceptualized and studied egalitarianism. We discuss the five broad categories of egalitarianism (prejudice reduction, universal orientation, concern for others, positive expression, and low social dominance orientation) and how they relate to positive or negative and approach or avoidant outcomes. Through these findings, we urge scholars to utilize a centralized model for studying egalitarianism in intergroup contexts moving forward.

Open your eyes, open your mind: The profile of cognitive liberalization and intergroup contact experiences

AbstractAccording to the cognitive liberalization hypothesis, exposure to intergroup contact improves cognitive outcomes related to open‐mindedness and out‐of‐the‐box thinking. In a sample of Italian adults (N = 708), we: (a) investigated the profile of cognitive liberalization through a latent profile analysis including cognitive (i.e., cognitive flexibility, socio‐cognitive mindfulness, curiosity and low need for structure) and socio‐cultural (i.e., deprovincialization, beliefs supporting societal diversity and low social dominance orientation [SDO]) dimensions of cognitive liberalization; (b) tested how intergroup contact experiences differed between the profile of cognitive liberalization and the other profiles. Results showed three profiles: Cognitive Liberalization (high scores in both cognitive and socio‐cultural dimensions of cognitive liberalization), Cognitive Rigidity (low scores on cognitive, high scores in socio‐cultural dimensions) and Anti‐Liberalization (low scores on all liberalization variables). Individuals belonging to the Cognitive Liberalization profile reported less negative, and more positive and intimate contact experiences with the outgroup compared with the other two profiles; they had a higher proportion of outgroup members in their acquaintances, and perceived those outgroup members involved in positive contact as more representative of their outgroup. Diversity of contacted outgroup members did not matter for the profiles. Close and positive relationships with the outgroup could be key to cognitive liberalization. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's .

Predicting Ethical Decision Making in Nigeria: The Roles of Others’ Compassion and Social Dominance Orientation

Ethical decision making is a fundamental aspect of human life that impact individuals, their professional lives as well as societal well-being. Ethical decision making is a catalyst for success, peaceful co-existence, and over-all development of a nation. It seem to be, however, that such decision makings lack in many speres and societies of the world and that such is the reason for seeming oppression and dehumanization that characterize many societies of the world. This study investigated the roles of others’ compassion and social dominance orientation in making ethical decisions and the study was carried out among the residents of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Ile Ife, Osun State using a total of 276 participants. The Social Dominance Orientation Scale by Pratto el. al. [1], as validated by Aichholzer and Lechner [2], the Santa Clara Ethics Scale by Plante (2004), and the Compassion for Others Scale by Pommier (2011) were respectively used to measure Social Dominance Orientation, Ethical Decision making and Compassion for others. The hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis and independent samples’ t-test. The study showed that compassion for others is significant in predicting ethical decision making [F(6,269)=13.506, p<.05]. The study also found out that people with lower social dominance orientation (X = 32.3669) are significantly highly prone to making ethical decisions than those with high social dominance orientation (X = 31.1215), t = -2.097, df = 274, p <.05. It was also found out that both social dominance orientation and compassion for others significantly jointly predict ethical decision making [F(2,273) =28.561, p < .05]. Findings from the study also revealed that three (3) of the six dimensions of compassion for others i.e kindness (being caring towards others) (β =.24, t= 3.853, p <.05), common humanity (recognizing that all people experience hardship and a sense of connection to those who are suffering) (β =.36, t = 6.259, p <.05), and separation (a cognitive understanding and sense of pity towards others’ sufferings characterized by extreme isolation and distancing) (β =.14, t = 2.314, p <.05) individually predicted ethical decision making among participants while mindfulness (a balanced awareness that neither avoids nor gets lost in others’ pains) (a (β =-.02, t= -03.387, p >.05), indifference (an emotional response that avoids being judgemental) (β =-.07, t = -1.206, p >.05), and disengagement (avoidance of others’ pains rather than being over-identified with it) (β =.03, t = -0.570, p >.05) dimensions did not. It was found out that male participants (X = 32.1215) do not significantly differ in ethical decision making from their female counterparts (X = 31.7414), t = 0.639, df = 274, p >.05. Findings were therefore discussed in line with existing literature and it was recommended that Nigerians should be cognitively re-oriented for value appreciation. It is strongly believed that teaching Nigerians the importance of a sense of community will bring about positive changes in their inter-relationships with others and cause inhabitants to relate as one, and consequently promote their empathy, sympathy, and genuine concern towards one another.

Intergroup Contact Is Associated with Less Negative Attitude toward Women Managers: The Bolstering Effect of Social Dominance Orientation.

This cross-sectional study examined the intergroup contact hypothesis in the workplace by enrolling 150 Italian employees. Within the framework of social dominance theory, the purpose of this study was to test the assumption that individuals with higher levels of social dominance orientation are more likely to exhibit prejudice against women in managerial positions and benefit more from intergroup contact with a female supervisor. In particular, we found that individuals with higher levels of social dominance orientation exhibited more negative attitudes towards women in manager positions, but this effect only appeared when their superiors were women, as opposed to men. In addition, participants with higher social dominance orientation experienced more positive outcomes from intergroup contact, resulting in less negative attitudes toward women managers, than those with lower social dominance orientation. Overall, these findings yield insights into how intergroup contact affects individuals with prejudice tendencies, indicating that contact with the targeted group (i.e., women in managerial positions) is negatively associated with negative attitudes towards the group, even when the prejudice is driven by social dominance orientation. These results could shed light on new routes to design practical intervention aimed at solving prejudice towards women in leadership roles.

Support for Democratic Policing Among Frontline Police Officers: The Role of Social Dominance Orientation

Abstract Motivated by emerging research that connects officer psychological orientations to policing outcomes, we examine how Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), i.e. preference for group-based social hierarchy, is related to officer attitudes toward democratic policing practices. Analysing survey data collected from officers in a state-level police organization in the United States, we find that high SDO officers are more willing to use force and less willing to report peer misconduct than low SDO officers. High SDO officers are also less supportive of procedurally fair policing practices. These findings contribute to research on factors that may inhibit officer support for democratic policing. We discuss the implications of these results for organizational efforts to inculcate democratic values among frontline officers.

Career Blockades to Women’s Advancement to Positions of Authority: The role of Power Distance, Emotional Labour and Social Dominance Orientation

Despite several efforts to address gender inequality in the workplace, women’s participation in managerial positions is still low, globally and gender-related power imbalances in the workplace continues to persist. This study explores the influence of emotional labour, power distance and social dominance orientation (SDO) on attitudes towards women in high ranking jobs. The study adopted a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design. A total of 315 employees across a wide range of the industrial sector in Southern part of Nigeria participated in the study. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed using a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent samples t-test and hierarchical regression analysis. Findings revealed that emotional labour, power distance and social dominance orientation independently and jointly influenced attitudes towards women in high ranking jobs. (f [1, 315] =17.611; p<.05). Employees with perceived low power distance (x ̅=89.66, SD=18.68) and low social dominance orientation (x ̅=94.73, SD=20.45) significantly reported more favourable attitudes towards women in high status jobs than employees with perceived high power distance (x ̅=72.16, SD=17.04) and high social dominance orientation (x ̅=70.85, SD=12.91). Power distance, social dominance orientation and emotional labour are important in the examination of attitude towards women in positions of authority. It is therefore suggested that trainings and media campaigns to change perceptions be intensified.

Proud to support social equality: Investigating the roles of pride, guilt, anger, and disgust in attitudes towards immigrants

Previous research has demonstrated that low social dominance orientation (social equality orientation) promotes empathy with disadvantaged group members. In three studies, we tested a model relating preference for egalitarianism to positive attitudes towards immigrants through emotional experiences (pride, guilt, moral anger/ anger, disgust). Studies 1 and 2 showed that social equality orientation was positively related to proimmigrant attitudes through increased pride in helping immigrants, controlling for participants’ gender, age, and political orientation. Such a preference for egalitarianism was unrelated to proimmigrant attitudes through guilt for not helping immigrants and moral anger concerning mistreatment of immigrants. By focusing on emotional experience concerning proimmigrant national initiatives (e.g., integrating immigrants into the labor market), Study 3 corroborated the indirect effect of social equality orientation on proimmigrant attitudes through increased pride, controlling for participants’ gender, age, political orientation, as well as competitive jungle and dangerous world beliefs. Although much weaker, we also found a positive association between social equality orientation and proimmigrant attitudes through reduced anger, while no significant association through guilt and disgust was found. Results suggest that, relative to guilt, anger, and disgust, pride is the key channel through which preference for egalitarianism is related to positive attitudes towards immigrants. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.

Assessing social dominance orientation and system justification as psychological pathways from practicing meditation to tax evasion intentions and support for tax progressivity

AbstractRecent research showed that trait mindfulness might reduce tax evasion intentions and increase support for tax progressivity. The present study proposed that these beneficial effects of being mindful can be explained theoretically by different associations with inequality‐related constructs: social dominance orientation and system justification. Specifically, we tested our predictions by comparing meditation practitioners to nonpractitioners. Results from a path analysis revealed that relative to nonpractitioners, meditation practitioners were less likely to evade taxes primarily because of associations with lower social dominance orientation. Instead, they were more likely to support a progressive taxation primarily through associations with lower system justification. These results support the beneficial role of practicing meditation for tax compliance for people who meditate regularly. Moreover, these results may shed light about the psychological pathways through which practicing meditation brings about such beneficial social consequences.

Risks of expressing your authentic self in sport: the influence of stigma covering on perceived job fit and hiring recommendations

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine how identity covering techniques can influence raters' perceptions of job candidates who have a socially stigmatized identity. Specifically, the authors explore how raters respond to two types of candidates: one who does not mention his gay identity during the interview process, and one who openly discusses their gay identity during the interview process. The authors also investigate whether job type (sport operations vs business operations) and the rater's views toward social equality influence perceptions of job fit and subsequent hiring recommendations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted an experiment to examine whether an applicant's level of stigma covering, type of job posting and rater's views toward social equality influenced perceptions of job fit. The authors then tested whether perceptions of job fit mediated hiring recommendations. Adults in the USA (n = 237) who were employed and had served on a hiring committees participated in the survey.FindingsWhen applying for sport operations jobs, as opposed to business operations jobs, gay male applicants are viewed more favorably if they engage in high levels of identity covering. Further, the applicant's level of stigma covering influenced raters who reported high or moderate social dominance orientation but did not impact raters with low social dominance orientation. Overall, the findings reveal that identity covering techniques do have relevance for studying the dynamics of hiring gay men who apply for jobs in the sport industry.Originality/valueThe study advances the understanding of identity management techniques by examining the nuances of how applicants can choose to disclose their stigmatized identity, and how those decision influence the hiring process.

Being mindful in the tax context in Italy: Examining whether and how mindfulness relates with tax evasion intentions and support for tax progressivity.

Two studies explored whether and how mindfulness relates with citizens’ tax evasion intentions and support for progressive tax rates. Based on theoretical and empirical grounds, in Study 1 (N = 1,175) we proposed that mindfulness would be negatively related with tax evasion intentions through decreased social dominance orientation. Drawing on Duckitt’s dual-process motivational model, in Study 2 (N = 722) we proposed that mindfulness would be positively related with support for progressive taxation through the mediation of lower competitive-jungle beliefs, and then lower social dominance orientation. Instead, we did not expect to find mediation of the link between mindfulness and support for progressive taxation through dangerous-world beliefs and right-wing authoritarianism. These studies inform about the motivational pathways through which mindfulness relates with tax evasion intentions and support for progressive taxation.

The effects of lesbian, gay, and bisexual experiences and internal beliefs on lesbian, gay, and bisexual affirmative counselor competence among Chinese counselors.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) affirmative counselor competence is important for counselors to work effectively with sexual minority clients, but the level of competence is unclear among counselors in China, given the more conservative sociocultural climate. To understand the factors that contribute to Chinese counselors' LGB affirmative counselor competence, this study examined how situational (e.g., LGB experiences) and cognitive factors (e.g., internal beliefs) contribute to such competence in light of cultural learning theory. A total of 672 counselors (79.40% female; Mage = 36.33 years, SD = 7.87) from Mainland China completed an online survey. They provided information about demographics and LGB experiences (i.e., hours of LGB training, number of LGB clients, and number of LGB friends) and completed the Essentialist Beliefs Scale, Social Dominance Orientation Scale, and Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale (SOCCS). Structural equation modeling results indicated that number of LGB friends was positively associated with SOCCS-Attitude. Number of LGB clients had the greatest effect on SOCCS-Skill, followed by hours of LGB training and number of LGB friends. Lower discreteness belief, higher immutability belief, and lower social dominance orientation were associated with higher level of SOCCS-Attitude. Higher universality belief was associated with higher levels of SOCCS-Knowledge and Skill. Interestingly, more hours of LGB training were not associated with higher levels of SOCCS-Attitude and Knowledge. In addition, counselors' gender or sexual orientation did not moderate the effects of LGB experiences and internal beliefs on LGB affirmative counselor competence. The implications for these findings are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Living Historical Memory: Associations with National Identity, Social Dominance Orientation, and System Justification in 40 Countries

Living historical memory (LHM) was assessed amongst representative samples of adults from 40 societies (N = 22,708), who completed online surveys asking them to name three historical events in living memory that have had the greatest impact on their country. Multilevel analyses revealed that the number of LHM nominations was positively but variably related to national identity, with stronger links in developing countries. LHM was consistently and more strongly associated with lower social dominance orientation, and lower system justification. LHM appears to support national identity, especially in developing countries where there is greater need for national progress. While LHM fosters bottom-up aspirations for group-equality universally, it instills critical systemic evaluations in developing countries especially. It appears that LHM in developing countries has progressive functions, contextualizing current disadvantages as being linked to history, but nonetheless drawing from living memories to band people together in positive collective remembrance of the advent of nationhood.

Liking low-status? Contextual and individual differences in attributional biases of low-status outgroup members

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).

Is the racial composition of your surroundings associated with your levels of social dominance orientation?

We investigate the extent to which minority group members are surrounded by outgroup members in their immediate environment as a predictor of social dominance orientation. Using a large representative sample of New Zealanders, we found that minority group members in outgroup dense environments reported lower levels of social dominance orientation (Study 1). In studies 2 and 3, Asian Australian and Black American participants who were surrounded by outgroup members reported lower social dominance orientation. For majority group (White) participants there was no association between social dominance orientation and outgroup density. Study 4 explained the overall pattern: Black Americans surrounded by outgroup members perceived their group to be of lower status in their immediate environment, and through this, reported lower social dominance orientation. This article adds to growing literature on contextual factors that predict social dominance orientation, especially among minority group members.

Religious identification and interreligious contact in Indonesia and the Philippines: Testing the mediating roles of perceived group threat and social dominance orientation and the moderating role of context

AbstractThis study integrates three theoretical perspectives provided by social identity theory, realistic group conflict theory, and social dominance theory to examine the relationship between religious identification and interreligious contact. It relies on a unique dataset collected among Christian and Muslim students in ethnically and religiously diverse regions of Indonesia and the Philippines, where social cleavages occur along religious lines. Religious identification directly predicts a higher quality of interreligious contact, whereas it indirectly predicts a lower quantity and quality of contact, mediated by higher perception of group threat, and a higher quality of contact, mediated by lower social dominance orientation. Furthermore, these direct and indirect relationships are moderated by religious group membership and relative group size. We conclude that religious identification functions as a ‘double‐edged sword’ predicting both higher quality and lower quantity and quality of interreligious contact through various pathways and with a varying strength depending on intergroup context.

Not All Education is Equally Liberal: The Effects of Science Education on Political Attitudes

Education stands as a potent predictor of political attitudes; however, the underlying mechanisms and moderators of this relationship are not well-understood. We hypothesize that the liberalizing effect of education is moderated by discipline, and that the scientific ethos that serves to guide empirical inquiries facilitates the development of more liberal political attitudes via concerns about fairness and equality. As predicted, being educated in a science-related discipline, as opposed to a non-science discipline, was associated with greater political liberalism; importantly, this effect could not be accounted for by self-selection (Study 1). Furthermore, concerns about fairness and equality, as captured by an individual’s social dominance orientation, mediated the relationship between studying science and political liberalism (Study 2). Study 3 replicated these findings and attest to their generalizability. Study 4 directly assessed the underlying mechanism, endorsement of the scientific ethos, and replicated the mediational model; those who endorsed the scientific ethos more strongly reported more liberal political attitudes, and this was mediated by their lower social dominance orientation.

Attitudes toward Profoundly Hearing Impaired and Deaf Individuals: Links with Intergroup Anxiety, Social Dominance Orientation, and Contact

For the 54 million Americans living with disabilities, negative attitudes foster biased communication and barriers to social, political, and economic integration. Using self-reports of hearing-abled individuals (N = 234), this study takes an intergroup approach to explore factors surrounding attitudes toward communicative interactions with profoundly hearing impaired and deaf individuals (PHIDIs). Findings confirm the intergroup contact hypothesis (Allport, 1954) in this particular context while introducing social dominance as a construct of great utility to intergroup theorizing. Attitudes were less negative for hearing individuals with less intergroup anxiety, lower social dominance orientation, and more communication contact with profoundly hearing impaired/deaf individuals. Finally, differences among communication, cognition, and attitudes were assessed in terms of biological sex and the decision to enroll in a Manual Communication course. The results of these analyses indicate that males are higher in social dominance orientation, and that females and individuals enrolled in Manual Communication courses have more positive attitudes toward PHIDIs.

The David and Goliath Principle

Two studies documented the "David and Goliath" rule--the tendency for people to perceive criticism of "David" groups (groups with low power and status) as less normatively permissible than criticism of "Goliath" groups (groups with high power and status). The authors confirmed the existence of the David and Goliath rule across Western and Chinese cultures (Study 1). However, the rule was endorsed more strongly in Western than in Chinese cultures, an effect mediated by cultural differences in power distance. Study 2 identified the psychological underpinnings of this rule in an Australian sample. Lower social dominance orientation (SDO) was associated with greater endorsement of the rule, an effect mediated through the differential attribution of stereotypes. Specifically, those low in SDO were more likely to attribute traits of warmth and incompetence to David versus Goliath groups, a pattern of stereotypes that was related to the protection of David groups from criticism.

The Influence of Social and Individual Variables on Ethnic Attitudes in Guatemala

Ethnic attitudes may be a consequence of both group membership, as posited by Social Identity Theory (SIT), and of individual difference characteristics, as posited by Social Dominance Theory. University students in Guatemala (N = 196) reported their ethnic identity and completed a battery of surveys including Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), social distance, gender role attitudes, and social desirability scales. Results indicated that similar ethnicity, low SDO, close social distance and egalitarian gender role attitudes accurately predicted positive attitudes toward the Indigenous group. Similar ethnicity, close social distance, and high social desirability predicted positive attitudes toward the super-ordinate (Ladino) group. These results imply that many factors affect attitudes toward ethnic groups, such as SDO, gender role attitudes and social desirability. These results have implications for theories of inter-group relations and also for potential interventions to improve ethnic relations in Guatemala.