Out-group derogation can arise from categorization alone, without any competition or threat

Evidence

Notably, in Zhong et al.’s (2008a, 2008b) research, the intergroup context was devoid of competition, threat, or other factors associated with zero-sum conditions; out-group derogation resulted from negational categorization alone. Out-group derogation may be “a natural consequence” of negational identification because negational identities focus on how the self is dissimilar to an out-group (i.e., contrast from the out-group; Zhong et al., 2008b, p. 798). — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 1113

Categorization

• XREF: Challenges the assumption that out-group hostility requires real competition or zero-sum stakes; connects to your interest in threats-based and realistic-conflict accounts. — connects to: Classification and symbolization alone are harmless unless they escalate to dehumanization
• SEED: An essay angle: what purely categorical identity dynamics explain about political polarization that threat narratives miss.