Lacking socio‐economic status reduces subjective well‐being through perceptions of meta‐dehumanization

Abstract

Previous research has identified that both low-and high-socioeconomic groups tend to be dehumanized. However, groups that have a deprived position are more willing to interiorize the negative perceptions that others have about them compared with affluent groups. In this project, we address the role of meta-(de)humanization (the perceived humanity one thinks is ascribed or denied to one's group) based on socioeconomic status differences and its influence in the perceived psychological well-being. We conducted two studies: In Study 1 (correlational, N = 990), we analysed the relationship between socioeconomic status, meta-dehumanization, and well-being. Results indicated that lower socioeconomic status positively predicted more meta-dehumanization and worse wellbeing. Moreover, meta-dehumanization mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and well-being. In Study 2 (experimental, N = 354), we manipulated socioeconomic status (low-, middle-, and high-socioeconomic status conditions) to evaluate its influence on meta-dehumanization and well-being. Results indicated that individuals of low (vs. higher)-socioeconomic status perceived more meta-dehumanization and reported worse well-being. Finally, a multicategorical mediational analysis indicated that low (vs. middle or high)-socioeconomic status led to worse well-being through higher perceived meta-dehumanization. We discuss differences in perceived meta-(de)humanization based on groups' socioeconomic status and implications on the population's well-being. Differences in socioeconomic status (SES) between groups have been found to shape multiple psychological processes (Manstead, 2018). For instance, previous studies have identified that SES has an influence on the way people define themselves (Easterbrook,

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