Groups seek relative advantage over absolute material gain, even at self-cost

Evidence

From social identity theory come the important notions that the conflict between groups is not necessarily or even primarily designed to maximize the absolute material return to the ingroup but rather to maximize the relative return to the ingroup, sometimes even at the cost of substantial material loss to both the self and the ingroup. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3269 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Groups sometimes sacrifice absolute gain to achieve relative advantage over rivals — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3269; Groups sacrifice larger absolute gains for smaller ones that favor the in-group; Group dominance requires relative advantage, not absolute wealth. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 1501 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Groups sometimes sacrifice absolute gain to achieve relative advantage over rivals #corroborates (0.97) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3269
• People prioritize beating an out-group over maximizing their own group’s profit #corroborates (0.95)
• Groups sacrifice larger absolute gains for smaller ones that favor the in-group #corroborates (0.94)