Political threats endanger symbolic worlds, not physical safety

Evidence

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 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: The technical model of infallibility now governs the social, not the actual threat — Jean Baudrillard, Simulacra and Simulation, 125; States respond to perceived cultural-ideological threats, not raw power balances; 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 (+7 more)

Broader Connections

• Perceived symbolic threats can convert into real material competition #complicates (0.86)
• Symbolic threats can translate into material competition over political resources #complicates (0.85) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 1515