In This Together: Doing and Undoing Inequality and Social Class Divides

Abstract

This collection demonstrates that the social divides that people construct and the behavioral differences they foster are lawful in their origins and their effects. The articles provide examples of how these social differences can be systematically measured and manipulated in pursuit of a comprehensive science of inequality. In combination, the papers in the volume reveals that 1), an individual is a constituent part of a multilayered dynamic of ideas, institutions, interactions, and individuals that fuels inequality, and 2), that this dynamic could be reverse-engineered to reduce this inequality. Inequality ScienceIn curating this diverse and empirically rich set of papers with authors from 12 countries using large scale surveys, archival data, lab studies, and drawing on multiple theoretical perspectives, Moya and Fiske make several significant contributions. The first is to social psychology, which is never so useful as when analyzing a specific event, in this case, widespread economic decline. The second is to social science more broadly as it continues to wrestle with the fact of ever-steeper social hierarchies and escalating global inequality. Above all, this collection demonstrates with great clarity that the social divides that people construct and the behavioral differences they foster are lawful in their origins and their effects. The articles provide compelling examples of how these social differences can be systematically measured and manipulated in pursuit of a comprehensive science of inequality. The reasons people promote, tolerate, and are blind to inequality and what can be done about it are rapidly coming into focus. At the same

The impact of Black cancer patients' race-related beliefs and attitudes on racially-discordant oncology interactions: A field study

“…However, research examining beliefs and attitudes of White patients is also needed. We know, for example, that within each race/ethnicity, social class affects healthcare and people’s beliefs and attitudes relevant to their healthcare (Agency for Healthcare Resarch and Quality, 2016; Markus, 2017). We strongly suspect that some of the disparities in healthcare attributed to social class are mediated by differences in class-related beliefs and attitudes.…”

When lack of control enhances closeness to others: The case of unemployment and economic threat

“…In such situations, uncontrollability can promote a shift from an individualistic and independent focus on the pursuit of personal goals to a more collectivistic and interdependent one that focuses on collective social problems Markus, 2017). In such situations, uncontrollability can promote a shift from an individualistic and independent focus on the pursuit of personal goals to a more collectivistic and interdependent one that focuses on collective social problems Markus, 2017).…”

“…When uncontrollability becomes a shared state that defines the ingroup and is difficult to change due to social labels or stigmatization (e.g., "unemployed"), restoring control by referring to one's own group and identifying with it might become problematic. In such situations, uncontrollability can promote a shift from an individualistic and independent focus on the pursuit of personal goals to a more collectivistic and interdependent one that focuses on collective social problems Markus, 2017). Consistent with the group-based control model (Fritsche et al, 2013), self-categorization in terms of a greater collective that has the potential to achieve common goals can help to restore personal control.…”

American = Independent?

“… Source: Anderson, Adams, & Plaut, 2008; Brim, Ryff, & Kessler, 2004; Guinote, 2007; Kraus & Chen, 2014; Kraus, Côte, & Keltner, 2010; Kraus & Park, 2014; Kraus, Piff, Mendoza-Denton, Rheinschmidt, & Keltner, 2012; Kusserow, 1999; Lamont, 2000; Lareau, 2011; Magee, Galinsky, & Gruenfeld, 2007; Markus, 2017; Markus & Conner, 2013; Markus, Ryff, Curhan, & Palmersheim, 2004; Markus & Stephens, 2017; Piff, 2014; Savani, Stephens, & Markus, 2011; Smith, Jostmann, Galinsky, & Van Dijk, 2008; Stephens, Fryberg, Markus, Johnson, & Covarrubias, 2012; Snibbe & Markus, 2005; Stephens, Markus, & Phillips, 2014; Stephens, Markus, & Townsend, 2007; Stephens, Townsend, Markus, & Phillips, 2012. …”