Aspirants to higher status distinguish themselves via group-approved performance to avoid sanctions for norm-breaking
Evidence
Higher status, on the other hand, requires standing above others through rare talents and valuable assets. By definition a higher position requires individual distinction. But personal difference also involves breaking norms, for which there may be sanctions. How do individuals negotiate these competing pressures? Many pursue the least controversial forms of individual distinction: namely, exceptional performance against the group’s agreed-upon status criteria. Rank-and-file members of a basketball team never complain about an MVP’s distinctively high number of points scored each game. As long as distinction fits within the collective beliefs of the group, individuals have more leeway to break from the norm. — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 170
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Imitation toward superiors and distinction from inferiors are complementary status forces, not hypocrisy — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 165; People trade off imitation against distinction based on their status position — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 182; Achieved status remains heavily dependent on ascribed group membership — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3161 (+6 more)
Broader Connections
- High status requires others believing one possesses rare, valuable talents
#expands(0.79) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 78 - People trade off imitation against distinction based on their status position
#expands(0.78) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 182 - Status-seekers rationally join groups that reward the virtues they already possess
#expands(0.76) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 100 - Groups can gain status by persuading society to value their own criteria
#qualifies(0.75) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 304 - Demanding authenticity from the status-disadvantaged protects existing status hierarchies
#complicates(0.74) — W. David Marx, Status and Culture, 287 - Achieved status remains heavily dependent on ascribed group membership
#complicates(0.72) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3161