Pavetich, Melissa and Stathi, Sofia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1218-5239 (2020) Meta-humanization reduces prejudice, even under high intergroup threat. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 120 (3). pp. 651-671. ISSN 0022-3514 (Print), 1939-1315 (Online) (doi:10.1037/pspi0000259)

Preview

PDF (Author Accepted Manuscript) 28975 STATHI_Meta-Humanization_Reduces_Prejudice_(AAM)_2020.pdf - Accepted Version Download (507kB) | Preview

Abstract

Meta-dehumanization, the perception your group has been given less than human qualities, contributes to a vicious cycle of outgroup dehumanization and hostility, such as hate crimes and support for discriminatory policies. Minimal research has investigated potential benefits of meta-humanization, or perceiving your group has been given dignified qualities. Across 7 studies (N = 1,261) in Canada and the United Kingdom, we focus on Muslim–non-Muslim relations and provide the first empirical evidence to suggest that (a) there is an indirect effect of meta-humanization through outgroup humanization that reduces prejudice and (b) that perceived high intergroup threat moderates the indirect effect of meta-humanization. Studies 1a and 1b reveal that humanization mediates the indirect effect of meta-humanization on prejudice. Studies 2a and 2b replicate these results as well as demonstrate that perceived threat moderates the indirect effect, and Study 2c extends this by testing the perspective of Muslims. Studies 3a and 3b further demonstrate an interaction between high threat and meta-humanization on prejudice and interest in intergroup contact. We conclude by discussing the implications of our results for the growing literature on meta-dehumanization, meta-humanization, and intergroup relations more broadly.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Meta-humanization, dehumanization, threat, intergroup contact, prejudice
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM) Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Inequalities
Last Modified:	17 Aug 2021 13:44
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/28975

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads