Individual self-esteem and emotions depend on the standing of one’s social groups

Evidence

The basic premise of Social Identity Theory (see also Self-Categorization Theory: Turner et al., 1987) is that people have important collective as well as personal identities. Moreover, with respect to collective identity, people obtain a sense of self-worth from the groups to which they belong, so that self and group identity are linked. Individuals therefore seek to belong to groups that are evaluated more positively than other groups, and will denigrate other groups and limit their opportunities in order to obtain this outcome. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1495 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

More generally, theorizing about the damaging psychological effects of being a target of prejudice, discrimination, and stigma was widespread following Allport’s book, but empirical research since 1954 has had diffi- culty confirming the damaged self-esteem hypothesis. Indeed, based on several studies that support the positive self-esteem of Blacks, Twenge and Crocker (2002) provided a comprehensive meta-analysis that compellingly makes the opposite case. They found that Blacks, on average, have higher self-esteem than Whites, who in turn have higher self-esteem than Asians, American Indians, and Hispanics. Moreover, the Black–White self-esteem gap has actually increased since 1980. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1064 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Subordinate groups often seem to internalize a wider social evaluation of themselves as “inferior” or “second class,” and this consensual inferiority is reproduced as relative self-derogation on a number of indices that have been used in the various studies. Consensual status itself—where subjective and accorded prestige are identical—is problematic for RCT, which conceptualizes prestige as a scarce resource, like wealth or power. Status differences between groups, like other inequalities, should tend to accentuate the intergroup conflict of interests. Therefore, according to RCT, the impact of low status upon a subordinate group should be to intensify its antagonism toward the high-status group (Thibaut, 1950). Yet, under some conditions at least, low social status seems to be correlated with an enhancement, rather than a lessening, of positive out-group attitudes. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2694 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Youth adjust aspirations to match perceived positions of their own social group — Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis, Schooling in Capitalist America:…, 1140; An event’s personal self-implication, not group blame itself, determines which emotion arises. — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 292; Social status, not individual choice, determines most of any persona — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 283 (+17 more)

Broader Connections

• People pursue self-worth through favorable evaluations of their groups #exemplifies (0.92) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1495
• Racial group differences in self-esteem reverse the expected hierarchy #complicates (0.85) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1064
• Low social status can paradoxically increase out-group admiration #complicates (0.80) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2694