Positive emotions like pity can reinforce group inequality by casting groups as incompetent

Evidence

Importantly, the Stereotype Content Model posits that some subjectively positive feelings toward disadvantaged groups (e.g., pity and sympathy) may nevertheless reinforce inequality by casting these groups as incompetent (worthy only of pity rather than respect). — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2273 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Importantly, the Stereotype Content Model posits that some subjectively positive feelings toward disadvantaged groups (e.g., pity and sympathy) may nevertheless reinforce inequality by casting these groups as incompetent (worthy only of pity rather than respect). Jackman (1994; ch. 6 this volume) provides a general analysis of paternalistic aspects of racist, classist, and sexist prejudices and their effects on undermining disadvantaged groups’ resistance to social inequality. Glick and Fiske’s (1996) ambivalent sexism theory presents an in-depth analysis of one such paternalistic prejudice, benevolent sexism (the notion that women are “wonderful but weak”). Benevolent sexism involves positive feelings toward women, but is nevertheless associated across nations with gender inequality that disadvantages women (Glick et al., 2000). — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2273 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Perceived group inequity motivates distress that drives restorative action — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 431; Psychological equity restoration can shift blame onto disadvantaged groups and motivate counter-restoration — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 469; Outcome focus determines whether advantaged groups feel guilt or sympathy. — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 111 (+6 more)

Broader Connections

• Pity toward disadvantaged groups can reinforce inequality by implying incompetence. #corroborates (1.00) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2273
• Positive feelings like pity can reinforce inequality #corroborates (0.98) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2273