When less equal is less human: Intragroup (dis)respect and the experience of being human

Abstract

Past research has demonstrated that equality-based respect is an important antecedent of positive social interaction and group-serving behavior. In the present research we tested whether intragroup equality-based respect affects perceptions of being treated as a human as well as self-dehumanization. In Experiment 1, we found that high respect received from fellow work group members heightens group members' sense of being treated as a human being, while low respect diminishes it. In Experiment 2, we secured evidence that (dis)respect also affected recipients' self-views in terms of self-dehumanization. More specifically, if respect was withheld by other ingroup members, fewer human nature and human uniqueness traits, as well as secondary positive emotions, were attributed to the self. This increase in self-infrahumanization was further related to higher endorsement of unethical behavior. We discuss the importance of equality-based respect for (de-)humanization processes in social groups.

From Equality‐Based Respect to Environmental Activism: Antecedents and Consequences of Global Identity

“…In our view, equality‐based respect represents a promising bottom‐up way in order to arrive at a global identity that people actually feel because it results from their personal experience of being an equal actor (see also Batalha & Reynolds, , p. 754). This type of respect with its focus on equal basic rights enables personal autonomy as self‐determination (Renger et al, ) and is thus compatible with interpersonal differences and diversity—a prerequisite for an authentic global identity (see also Rosenmann et al, ).…”

“…Three items were used from Renger et al (): “Other people behave towards me in a very caring manner”; “Other persons show unconditional affection towards me”; and “Other persons always satisfy my emotional needs” (α = .81).…”

“…We tapped social esteem with three items (see Renger et al, ): “My accomplishments are regarded as being of high value by other people”; “I consistently get positive feedback for what I'm doing”; and “Other persons express very often that I'm seen as very capable” (α = .85).…”

“…Equality‐based respect, on the other hand, communicates one's equal rights and has been suggested to function as a proxy for the more general experience of being treated as a human (Simon, ). It has also been demonstrated to affect whether people see themselves as human or not (Renger, Mommert, Renger, & Simon, ). Moreover, equality‐based respect has the potential to function across group boundaries (Simon, Mommert, & Renger, ).…”

Internalized equality and protest against injustice: The role of disadvantaged group members’ self‐respect in collective action tendencies

“…The first evidence pointing to this internalization process was demonstrated by research associating equality‐based respect with self‐humanization processes (Renger, Mommert, Renger & Simon, ), perceptions of personal autonomy (Renger et al, ), and self‐determination (Decker & Van Quaquebeke, ). Research has demonstrated that equality‐based respect can come from different sources including ingroups (Renger & Simon, ), outgroups (Simon, Mommert, & Renger, ), or more generally from individuals relevant in one’s life (Renger & Reese, ).…”