Guaranteed equal opportunity converts social mobility into perceived competition

Evidence

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. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1479 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Beliefs about social permeability, not objective structure, shape whether people pursue mobility or change — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology: Key Readings, 2680; Perceived mobility makes people pursue the status forms they lack — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 91; Attributing success to traits rather than position blocks social mobility (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Societies that prize equal opportunity and mobility breed intergroup competition and animosity #expands (0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1479
• Societies promoting equal opportunity paradoxically generate more intergroup competition and animosity. #corroborates (0.95)