Groups reduce competition by derogating outgroups, enhancing ingroups, or avoiding the competitor

Evidence

Perceptions of group competition motivate actions to reduce competition. As shown in figure 14.1, attempts to eliminate group competition may take a variety of forms, reflecting various manifestations of prejudice and discrimination toward outgroups. We discuss three general strategies here, though others may certainly exist. The first two strategies correspond to the distinction between outgroup derogation and discrimination versus ingroup enhancement and preferential treatment (Brewer, 1999, 2001). First, a group may attempt to reduce the outgroup’s perceived competitiveness by expressing negative attitudes and attributions about the other group in order to establish the competitor’s lack of worth. This may include heightened endorsement of stereotypes about the outgroup used to justify the system as it currently exists ( Jost & Banaji, 1994). Attempts to eliminate the outgroup’s competitiveness may also entail overt discrimination and opposition to programs and policies that might change the status quo (Bobo, 1999; Jackson & Esses, 2000; Pratto & Lemieux, 2001). — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1509

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to Brewer’s optimal distinctiveness and in-group favoritism, and to system justification theory (Jost).
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1509