Perceived symbolic threats can convert into real material competition

Evidence

One possibility is that symbolic threat may give rise to material threat, and vice versa. In the context of social change in which the dominance of one’s value system may be threatened, identity may be protected by targeting outgroups as competitors for more tangible resources. Gaining resources (e.g., social power) may allow groups to ensure that their values have representation and status. Moreover, competition for resources may generate exaggerated perceptions of value differences to justify conflict. The emerging legality of same-sex marriage in Canada provides an example of these dynamics. Canadians who value the preservation of tradition and those who value social progress have responded differently to same-sex marriage, and may consequently view one another as rivals for political representation. Although the majority heterosexual population stands neither to gain nor lose materially as a function of same-sex marriage, the perceived threat to value dominance among critics of same-sex marriage may translate into real competition for a resource (e.g., votes for politicians with a relevant stance), thereby generating animosity among critics and supporters of change. Moreover, in the context of competition for the real resource of political representation, opponents may exaggerate value differences. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1514 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

The emerging legality of same-sex marriage in Canada provides an example of these dynamics. Canadians who value the preservation of tradition and those who value social progress have responded differently to same-sex marriage, and may consequently view one another as rivals for political representation. Although the majority heterosexual population stands neither to gain nor lose materially as a function of same-sex marriage, the perceived threat to value dominance among critics of same-sex marriage may translate into real competition for a resource (e.g., votes for politicians with a relevant stance), thereby generating animosity among critics and supporters of change. Moreover, in the context of competition for the real resource of political representation, opponents may exaggerate value differences. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1515 (#expands, via linked claim)

Although the majority heterosexual population stands neither to gain nor lose materially as a function of same-sex marriage, the perceived threat to value dominance among critics of same-sex marriage may translate into real competition for a resource (e.g., votes for politicians with a relevant stance), thereby generating animosity among critics and supporters of change. Moreover, in the context of competition for the real resource of political representation, opponents may exaggerate value differences. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1515 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Realistic and symbolic threats are distinct, defined by harm versus meaning-system concerns. — Walter G. Stephan and Oscar Ybarra and Kimberly Rios Morrison, Intergroup Threat Theory, 32; Political threats endanger symbolic worlds, not physical safety; Symbolic threats can translate into material competition over political resources — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice: Fifty Years…, 1515 (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Symbolic value threats can convert into real resource competition between groups #corroborates (0.97) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1514
• Symbolic threats can translate into material competition over political resources #expands (0.96) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1515
• Perceived value threat can convert into real resource competition over politics #corroborates (0.95) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1515
• Realistic threats are more negotiable than symbolic ones because core values resist change #complicates (0.82) — Walter G. Stephan, Oscar Ybarra, Kimberly Rios Morrison, Intergroup Threat Theory, 482