Downward social mobility drives displaced aggression onto weak minority groups.

Evidence

In contrast, Bettleheim and Janowitz’s (1950) findings (cited by Allport) that men experiencing downward social mobility (an external source of frustration) expressed both more anti-Semitism and racism, is a prime example of the frustration–aggression approach. Presuming that Jews and Blacks were not the direct cause of their downward mobility, these men’s greater anti-Semitism and racism was an example of displaced aggression. The targets of their aggression were assumed to be chosen because they were weak, vulnerable, and already deprecated minority groups. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1567 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Prevailing ideologies and social structures can aggravate competition, Allport argued. In particular, he suggested that in social contexts in which equality of opportunity is prized and social mobility is encouraged, perceived competition is likely. Allport (1954/1979) wrote, “But, when men [sic] are viewed as potentially equal, and by national creed are guaranteed equal rights and equal opportunity … members of even the lowest group are encouraged to put forth effort, to rise, and to demand their rights” (p. 222). Allowance, or encouragement, of upward social mobility makes evident the possibility of downward mobility, which, in the presence of a visually salient outgroup, generates competition and animosity. Although Allport acknowledged that there are contexts in which oppression is stable and institutionalized (see Jackman, ch. 6 this volume), and that in these contexts subtle forms of prejudice arise as justifications of inequality (see Jost & Hamilton, ch. 13 this volume), his emphasis was clearly on the active, overt animosity that follows mobilization and change in an open society that prizes freedom. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1479 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Downwardly mobile men displace aggression onto vulnerable minority groups — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1567; Aggression toward out-groups is not limited to subordinate-group targets; Frustrated aggression toward authority gets redirected onto marginalized groups — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 562 (+7 more)

Broader Connections

• Downwardly mobile men displace aggression onto vulnerable minority groups #corroborates (0.97) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1567
• Upward mobility can breed prejudice, not just downward mobility #complicates (0.85)
• Open societies with mobility paradoxically breed more intergroup animosity #complicates (0.80) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1479