Negational identity is a strategy for escaping low status or low self-esteem

Evidence

On the one hand, attribution to discrimination can be seen as an “external” causality, in that this type of explanation can be made independent of, or even as opposed to, the actor’s personal attributes. Indeed, claiming discrimination for a negative outcome, rather than blaming the self, may alleviate the potential damage to self-esteem (Crocker & Major, 1989). On the other hand, attribution to discrimination is likely to heighten the awareness on the part of the rejected person concerning the fact that he or she belongs to a stigmatized group. Arguably, such category-based self-concept may imply an “internal” causality. Indeed, a study by Schmitt and Branscombe (2002) demonstrated that the locus of causality with regard to discrimination can be perceived as both internal and external at the same time. As a consequence, attribution to discrimination may not necessarily be a remedy to damaged self-esteem but may instead hurt self-esteem even more than other kinds of attributions (Schmitt & Branscombe, 2002, Study 2). — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 129 (#complicates, via linked claim)

When people’s self-esteem is specifically threatened – particularly if they have high self-esteem – they increase ingroup favoritism (Crocker, Major, & Steele, 1998). Being insecure or anxious increases stereotyping (Wilder & Shapiro, 1989) and outgroup derogation (Wills, 1981). Self-esteem threat also facilitates the automatic activation of stereotypes (Spencer et al., 1998). However, chronically low self-esteem does not motivate ingroup favoritism (Hewstone et al., 2002). — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 343 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Negational identity is manipulated by writing about not being a Caucasian — Chen-Bo Zhong, Adam D. Galinsky, and Miguel M. Unzueta, Negational racial identity and…, 24; Negational identity may stem from low-status individuals’ need to feel superior; Self-esteem enhancement explains short-term but not chronic outgroup derogation — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 342 (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Attributing rejection to discrimination can damage self-esteem rather than protect it #complicates (0.75) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 129
• Acute self-esteem threat, unlike chronic low self-esteem, activates stereotypes #complicates (0.72) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 343