Social Status Groups Research Articles

Neighbourhood Effects on Family-to-Work Conflict and Distress

My research examines the extent to which individuals’ neighbourhood of residence impacts family stressors and resources, family-to-work conflict (FWC), and resulting distress. Unlike previous literature on FWC and mental heath, I contextualize these processes by considering the direct and mediating effects of social context. I focus on three research questions: 1) How do real and perceived neighbourhood stressors and resources combine to affect FWC and subsequent distress? 2) Are these associations mediated by family stressors and resources? 3) How do these processes vary across social status groups? I draw upon three data sources to answer my research questions, including interview data from residents of Toronto Canada, 2006 Canadian Census data, and 2010 administrative data on Toronto’s neighbourhood resources. The results of my research will contribute to literature on FWC and mental health in several ways: First, I effectively model individual and neighbourhood effects simultaneously. Second, my research considers structural neighbourhood effects on family stressors and resources, FWC and subsequent distress, as well as individuals’ perceptions of neighbourhood stressors and resources. Finally, I document these trends across various social status groups using multiple data sources to more accurately capture neighbourhood and family stressors and resources and their association with FWC and distress.

Intergenerational social mobility and the risk of hypertension

BackgroundLow socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to increased risk of hypertension, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. How the risk is altered by intergenerational social mobility is not...

Compared to whom? Subjective social status, self-rated health, and referent group sensitivity in a diverse US sample

Emerging research has revealed that subjective social status (SSS), or how people perceive their position in the social hierarchy, is significantly associated with multiple health outcomes. Yet few studies have examined how this association is affected by the person or group to whom respondents are comparing themselves. While previous studies have used distal referent groups when assessing SSS, scholars have suggested that individuals may prefer to make comparisons to those who share similar characteristics to themselves. Overall, there has been little empirical analysis assessing the health impact of comparing oneself to one referent group over another. Using a diverse, national US sample (n=3644), this study explores whether the relationship between SSS and self-rated health is sensitive to the referent used for social comparison. Data are from respondents who completed the ConsumerStyles and HealthStyles mail surveys and who have assessed their SSS against four referents: others in American society, others of the same race or ethnicity, neighbors, and parents at the same age. Self-rated health was the dependent variable, while we controlled for household income, education, home ownership, race/ethnicity, and other covariates. In logistic regression models, SSS using each of the four referents was significantly associated with self-rated health, but the model using the referent of others in American society had the strongest association with self-rated health and was the most parsimonious. Findings validate previous studies which typically have used a more distal referent such as others in American society in exploring the SSS-health relationship. However, future work should explore whether this referent is salient to diverse population groups when making social comparisons. Researchers may also want to consider using SSS as an additional status measure since it may capture more subtle differences in the status hierarchy than traditional economic measures.

Stéréotypes prescriptifs et avantages des groupes dominants

The prescriptive component of stereotypes is defined as a set of beliefs about the characteristics group members should possess. It has mainly been studied regarding gender stereotypes. We believe that the main function of this prescriptive component is to allow dominant group members to maintain subordinate group members in an advantageous position for themselves. To illustrate our proposal, we present several theoretical and empirical papers, showing that the relative status of social groups is a determinant of which characteristics are prescribed to the members of these groups; that subordinates who fail to conform to the prescription are sanctioned; and that dominants prescribe to subordinates characteristics they see as beneficial to their own group.

Factors influencing the establishment of dominance hierarchies of the grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus

Abstract Unlike other balistids, grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus occur in social groups in subtropical reef assemblages and have been noted to cooperate in capturing large crustacean prey. The objective of this study were to determine the structure of dominance hierarchies of these social groups and the factors that influence hierarchies of wild-caught grey triggerfish in a naturalistic setting. From observations of four groups of triggerfish (n = 19 fish) in both dyad and group (4 - 5 fish) settings, we provide a description of triggerfish behaviors and coloration patterns and an explanation of the social context in which suites of behaviors are used by dominant, middle-ranking, and subordinate fish. Sixteen behaviors and nine coloration patterns were noted for grey triggerfish. Grey triggerfish groups form linear hierarchies in both dyads and groups as measured by Landau's Index of Linearity (h = 1.0 for Groups 1, 3, and 4 and h = 0.95 for Group 2 in dyads; h = 1.0 for all groups in group settings). Dyadic hierarchies, however, were not necessarily good predictors of the hierarchies found in larger group settings, as they only predicted two of the four group hierarchies. Sex played no role in influencing status or behavior. Size had the greatest influence on dominance status, with larger fish being more dominant than smaller fish. An individual's dominance ranking influenced both body coloration and posture. These results suggest that color patterns and body postures may also be used by observers as an indicator of an individual's social status in groups.

The Pursuit of Status in Social Groups

Status differences are ubiquitous and highly consequential. Yet with regard to human social groups, basic questions persist about how status differences develop. In particular, little is known about the processes by which individuals pursue status in social groups. That is, how do individuals compete and jockey for status with their peers? The current paper reviews recent research that helps fill this gap in our knowledge. Specifically, studies of a variety of face-to-face groups show that individuals pursue status by enhancing the apparent value they provide to their group. Individuals compete for status not by bullying and intimidating others, as some theorists have proposed, but by behaving in ways that suggest high levels of competence, generosity, and commitment to the group.

Friendship groups and physical activity: qualitative findings on how physical activity is initiated and maintained among 10–11 year old children

BackgroundMany youth physical activity interventions have minimal effect. To design better interventions we need to understand more about the factors that influence youth activity. Application of self-determination theory to youth physical activity, particularly the relatedness and competence, might suggest that friends and friendship groups influence the initiation and maintenance of youth physical activity. In this study we examined this issue.MethodsSeventeen focus groups were conducted with 113, 10–11 year old children, from 11 primary schools in Bristol, UK. Focus groups examined: 1) the nature of children's friendship groups; 2) associations between physical activity and social group status; and 3) how friendship groups affect the initiation and maintenance of physical activity. All focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsParticipants reported that there were three different types of friendship groups; School friends; Neighborhood friends; and Other Friends who were friends from organized activities or children of their parents' friends. Participants had multiple groups of friends and engaged in different activities with the different groups. Possessing several groups of friends was desirable as it kept the friendships fresh and interesting. Physical activity was perceived as a positive attribute and linked to social status among boys. Among girls the association between physical activity ability and social status was more complex, appearing to differ by the norms of the group to which participants belonged. Some participants reported that low activity ability could be perceived as desirable in some social groups. Participants reported that friends provide support to initiate physical activity via co-participation (i.e. engaging in activity together); modeling of being active; and providing verbal support to engage in activity. Enjoyment was the most important factor in maintaining activity participation with participating in activity with friends a key factor influencing enjoyment.ConclusionFriendship groups affect both the initiation and maintenance of youth physical activity. Children belong to several groups and engage in different activities with different groups. Simple strategies that aim to promote physical activity via the different friendship groups could be an effective means of promoting increased physical activity in young people.

Behavioral pattern, life style and socio economic status in elderly Normolipidemic Acute Myocardial Infarct Subjects - A case control study from South Asia

BACKGROUND: Mortality due to CAD is increasing at an alarming rate in developing countries and it is going to be the largest killer by 2020. Major risk factors include rapid urbanization, physical inactivity, stressful employment and the personality of an individual, all of which act synergistically resulting in increased CAD rates. Though Indians have less conventional risk factors, they are more susceptible to this disease. The current study was focused on impact of behavioral aspects, lifestyle and physical activity influence on CAD, as these risk factors are not properly established by recent research. AIM: The study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of behavior, lifestyle and physical activity in predicting CAD risk in normolipidaemic acute myocardial infarct patients and to compare the findings with healthy subjects. SETTING & DESIGN: Lipid profile and behavioral aspects and lifestyles were determined in 165 normolipidaemic acute myocardial infarct patients and compared with 165 age/sexmatched controls. MATERIAL & METHODS: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol were analyzed enzymatically using kits obtained from Randox Laboratories Limited, Crumlin, UK. Plasma LDL-cholesterol was determined from the values of total cholesterol and HDL- cholesterol using the Friedwald's formula. The lifestyle and behavioral aspects of the subjects were determined using pre-tested questionnaires. STATISTICS: The values were expressed as means ± standard deviation (SD) and data from patients and controls were compared using students 't'-test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Lipid profiles were higher in case of patients than with controls .apart from HDL-c levels (p<.001), which were significantly lower in patients (p<.001). Patients had higher serum cholesterol and blood pressure compared to controls in each behavioral assessment parameters. Physical activity was found to be lower in patients compared to controls. Hyperactive, irrelevant thinkers and highly ambitious subjects had higher cholesterol and blood pressure in each category. Mostly the middle socioeconomic class was affected (71%) by AMI. In conclusion, our findings indicated a high prevalence of various behavioral risk factors among the myocardial infarct patients. Remedial measures are needed to minimize future morbidity burden and there by minimizing medical expenses. In regard to the risk factor of smoking, a strict public policy in restricting the behaviour and .cigarette distribution may be considered. Although the Government has taken steps in this regard, it is the individual and community who should reduce the risk factor, especially the high risk groups such as lower social status groups.

The effect of looks and musical preference on trait inference

Stereotypes regarding social status lead to the categorization of individuals as belonging to high or low social-status groups, based on little information, such as looks or possession of certain traits. The present study examined the relative effect of looks and musical preference on the inference of other traits relating to high and low social status. Seventy participants were asked to rate photos of eight individuals (four males and four females). Compatible and incompatible pairing of high- and low-status looks and liking for high- and low-status music were created. Findings show that more positive traits were attributed to females, high-status looking individuals and individuals with a preference for high-status music. An interaction between looks and music status was found in which liking for low-status music lowered evaluations in high-status looking individuals, but liking for high-status music did not affect evaluations of low-status looking individuals. Participants' own musical preference did not consistently affect ratings of photographed individuals.

Employing Migrant Domestic Workers in Urban Yemen: A New Form of Social Distinction

AbstractThis article argues that employing migrant domestic workers has become a new form of social distinction in urban Yemen. The rapid social, economic and political changes of the past forty years have altered Yemen's system of social stratification. Formerly, one's racial descent and economic background determined the work they performed. Manual and service professions had a very low status and were only performed by the lowest social status groups. Nowadays other forms of social distinction have emerged. Although the economic situation in Yemen has deteriorated since the 1990s, the demand for paid domestic labour has increased. Yemeni women are reluctant to take up paid work as domestics, and middle and upper middle class families in urban areas employ migrant and refugee women, in particular from the Horn of Africa.

Sociometric Effects on Rejection of Children in Grade 2 Given a Multifocal Intervention Involving Teachers, Parents, and Children in One Brazilian School

Current literature favors developing social competence in childhood, especially preventing peer rejection. This study presents the effects of a preventive multifocal intervention at one Brazilian elementary school. Participants were second graders (N = 255), their teachers (n = 7), and 13 caregivers. Teachers referred 52 children to overcome interaction problems. Baseline and postintervention sociometric assessment assigned every second grader to one of five social status groups (rejected, neglected, median, popular, and controversial). Trained teachers developed an education program with second graders. A psychologist treated 13 referred children and caregivers (Cognitive Behavioral Child Therapy + Parent Training). The referred group of 13 at baseline showed a significantly higher percentage of rejection and fewer popular children. The nonreferred group postprogram showed no significant change on rejection, however, referred treated groups showed a higher percentage of popular children whereas the control group showed a higher percentage of rejected children.

Functional limitations and overweight among migrants in the Histoire de Vie study (Insee, 2003)

Background In France, epidemiological data on immigrant population are limited since characterization of immigrants is viewed as a sensitive issue. The Histoire de Vie survey has enabled the description of the association of immigration characteristics and two health indicators. Methods Health-related functional limitations and overweight status (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2) were studied among 18 to 64 years old using indirect age standardization. Immigration status was characterized in four different ways: via the migratory pathways of interviewees and their parents (French born to two French-born parents, second-generation, immigrated at the age of 15 or younger, immigrated at the age of 16 or older), citizenship (French by birth, French by naturalisation, non French), geographical origin (France, Europe, outside Europe) and language(s) spoken at home (French mother tongue, French for persons who do not have French as mother tongue, French and another language, another language). The analyses were conducted separately in men and in women and stratified by occupational status (upper and lower). For functional limitations, the analysis was repeated excluding participants whose limitations occurred before the age of 19, which was the average age of immigration, to assess a possible healthy migrant effect. Results Compared to French men born to two French parents, an increased rate of functional limitations was observed among men born in Europe and/or who had at least one parent born in Europe (SMR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.06–1.81) and a reduced rate among participants born outside Europe or who had at least one parent born outside Europe (SMR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.46–0.86); these differences remained when social status was taken into account. Among women, a tendency towards a lower rate of functional limitations was found in lower social status groups among those who immigrated as adults, among non French citizens and among non Europeans. Restricting the analysis to individuals free of limitations at the age of 19 did not suggest a healthier migrant effect. Among men, the risk of being overweight did not differ according to immigration characteristics. Women who immigrated in their adult life (SMR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.18–1.74), who had foreign citizenship (SMR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.18–1.74) and who still spoke their mother tongue at home (SMR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.23–1.88) were more likely to be overweight than non migrant women. These results were observed in lower social groups but not in upper social groups. Conclusion These results demonstrate a heterogeneous relationship between immigration status and health, according to age at immigration, gender and origin while the migrant second-generation appears quite close to the population born French to two French-born parents. Further studies are needed to provide data on a wider range of health indicators. In the future, health surveys should document detailed information to allow for a full characterisation of the migrant population.

Age-Related Deficits in Face Recognition are Related to Underlying Changes in Scanning Behavior

ABSTRACT Previous studies demonstrating age-related impairments in recognition memory for faces are suggestive of underlying differences in face processing. To study these differences, we monitored eye movements while younger and older adults viewed younger and older faces. Compared to the younger group, older adults showed increased sampling of facial features, and more transitions. However, their scanning behavior was most similar to the younger group when looking at older faces. Moreover, while older adults exhibited worse recognition memory than younger adults overall, their memory was more accurate for older faces. These findings suggest that age-related differences in recognition memory for faces may be related to changes in scanning behavior, and that older adults may use social group status as a compensatory processing strategy.

Early-Life Conditions And Mechanisms Of Population Health Vulnerabilities

The social status of groups is key to determining health vulnerability at the population level. The impact of material and psychological stresses imposed by social inequities and marginalization is felt most intensely during perinatal/early childhood and puberty/adolescent periods, when developmental genes are expressed and interact with social-physical environments. The influence of chronic psychosocial stresses on gene expression via neuroendocrine regulatory dysfunction is crucial to understanding the biological bases of adult health vulnerability. Studying childhood biology vulnerabilities to neighborhood environments will aid the crafting of multifaceted, multilevel public policy interventions providing immediate benefits and compounded long-term population health yields.

Commentary: Using innovative inequality measures in epidemiology

Commentary: Using innovative inequality measures in epidemiology

Is ‘distinction’ really outdated? Questioning the meaning of the omnivorization of musical taste in contemporary France

The question addressed by this article concerns the extent to which the extensive eclecticism observed today in many cultural domains constitutes a major refutation of Bourdieu's theory of distinction. Based on recent French data on music listening habits, this article examines Bourdieu's theoretical legacy by means of a multi-correspondence analysis of people's listening habits in various musical genres. The analysis basically invalidates Bourdieu's strict homology hypothesis and corroborates Peterson's omnivore/univore thesis as far as it is not possible to establish an unequivocal correspondence between any musical genre and a social group or to confirm that upper-class and high-status groups tend to distinguish themselves by the variety of their musical consumption. In that sense, as omnivorousness tends to become a distinctive criteria, Bourdieu's thesis seems only partially challenged by this new theoretical framework, as far as cultural consumption remains socially stratified. Finally, two competing hypotheses may be proposed on the meaning of the predominantly omnivorous behavior of the upper classes and highest social status groups. First, the omnivorous musical consumer can be seen as an outcome of social mobility and school massification which is introducing people from increasingly heterogeneous social and cultural backgrounds into elites. Second, eclecticism can be understood as a generic disposition towards culture characterized by tolerance and openness to diversity which tends to embody the modern quintessence of distinction.

Bioarchaeological Evidence for Social and Temporal Differences in Diet at Piedras Negras, Guatemala

In this bioarchaeological study of Classic Maya subsistence, we analyzed porotic hyperostosis, dental caries, and stable isotopes on skeletal remains recovered from 118 burials at Piedras Negras, Guatemala. The abundant porotic hyperostosis and dental caries at Piedras Negras, coupled with a high mean δ13C (mean -9.2 ± 1.0‰) provide evidence for high levels of maize consumption. The isotope data show slight differences among social status groups. Chronological changes in diet are more evident. The Early Classic (A.D. 350-625) skeletons are characterized by moderate heterogeneity in isotope ratios relative to skeletons of the Yaxche phase of the Late Classic (A.D. 625-750). In Yaxche phase skeletons, a prosperous time for Piedras Negras, δ13C and δ15N are homogenous, with an emphasis on dietary maize and terrestrial fauna. In Chacalhaaz times (A.D. 750-825) isotope signatures became much more diverse, with some individuals consuming less maize and/or more freshwater fish. We attribute these changes to significant perturbations in the system of food production and distribution at Piedras Negras in the late eighth century, a process that may have been linked to the disintegration of dynastic kingship at the site and its collapse.

Separating Status from Power as an Antecedent of Intergroup Perception

Status and power covary such that higher status groups are typically higher power groups. This research explored the effect of status on intergroup perception controlling for power. Experiment 1 manipulated the relative status of social groups and explicitly provided the groups equal power. Experiment 2 manipulated status and power orthogonally. Multiple measures yielded consistent patterns indicating that status affected perceived group centrality and variability independent of power. The patterns were consistent with a strategic intergroup comparison account as suggested by social identity theory. Specifically, the effect of status on intergroup perception varied with the relevance and valence of the dimension of comparison in a manner that balanced social reality with a positive social identity.

Seeing through the glass darkly? A qualitative exploration of GPs' drinking and their alcohol intervention practices

Brief alcohol intervention is influenced by patients' personal characteristics as well as their clinical risk. Risk-drinkers from higher social-status groups are less likely to receive brief intervention from GPs than those from lower social-status groups. Thus GPs' perception of social similarity or distance may influence brief intervention. To explore the role that GPs' drinking behaviour plays in their recognition of alcohol-related risk in patients. A qualitative interview study with 29 GPs recruited according to maximum variation sampling. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was inductive with constant comparison within and between themes plus deviant case analysis. Analysis developed until category saturation was reached. GPs described a range of personal drinking practices that broadly mirrored population drinking patterns. Many saw themselves as part of mainstream society, sharing in culturally sanctioned behaviour. For some GPs, shared drinking practices could increase empathy for patients who drank, and facilitate discussion about alcohol. However, several GPs regarded themselves as distinct from 'others', separating their own drinking from that of patients. Several GPs described a form of bench-marking, wherein only patients who drank more, or differently, to themselves were felt to be 'at risk'. Alcohol is clearly a complex and emotive health and social issue and GPs are not immune to its effects. For some GPs' shared drinking behaviour can act as a window of opportunity enabling insight on alcohol issues and facilitating discussion. However, other GPs may see through the glass more darkly and selectively recognize risk only in those patients who are least like them.

Group status, group bias, and adolescents' reasoning about the treatment of others in school contexts

This study investigated how social group status and group bias are related to adolescents' reasoning about social acceptance. Ninth and eleventh-grade students (N = 379) were asked to make judgments about the inclusion of individuals in school activities based on their peer crowd membership. The results of the study revealed that both participants' and the targets' social reference group status were related to adolescents' judgments about participation in school activities. Overall, high status group members were chosen more than low status group members to participate in school activities. Adolescents who identified themselves with high status groups, however, were significantly more likely to choose a high status target than adolescents identifying with low status groups or those listing no group at all. Further, these adolescents were more likely than adolescents who identified themselves with low status groups or listed no group to use conventional reasoning and less likely to use moral reasoning when justifying their judgments.