Social Dominance Theory

“…even superficial and seemingly meaningless distinctions between individuals can become the basis for collective identity and dominance.” Taifel (1970) “…even superficial and seemingly meaningless distinctions between individuals can become the basis for collective identity and dominance.” Taifel (1970)

Minimal Group Paradigm Human beings tend to demonstrate discriminatory in-group and out-group dynamics even there is an extremely limited basis for drawing distinctions between members of the groups. L. Howard and Rothbart (1980)

Minimal Group Theory cont.’ The LESSONS People tend to draw distinctions between themselves as individuals and groups. People ascribe value of superiority and inferiority to the various in- groups and out-groups. If a visible “marker,” such as race, is added, we are left with patterns of inter-group relations that are extremely resistance to change. The LESSONS People tend to draw distinctions between themselves as individuals and groups. People ascribe value of superiority and inferiority to the various in- groups and out-groups. If a visible “marker,” such as race, is added, we are left with patterns of inter-group relations that are extremely resistance to change.

Social Dominance Theory (Sidanius & Pratto, 1993) Human social systems are predisposed to form social hierarchies. Hegemonic groups tend to be male dominant. Most forms of social oppression (racism, sexism, classism, etc.) can be viewed as manifestations of group-based social hierarchy. Social hierarchy is a survival strategy that has been selected by many species of primates, including Homo sapiens. Human social systems are predisposed to form social hierarchies. Hegemonic groups tend to be male dominant. Most forms of social oppression (racism, sexism, classism, etc.) can be viewed as manifestations of group-based social hierarchy. Social hierarchy is a survival strategy that has been selected by many species of primates, including Homo sapiens.

The Stratification 3 Factors elaborated A) Age - Where adults and middle age adults have significant power over children and young adults. B) Gender – Where males have disproportionate power over females. C) Arbiturary – Where social constructed highly salient groups base on characteristics, such as ethnicity, nation, race, clan, caste, religious sect, regional grouping or any other human group distinction. 3 Factors elaborated A) Age - Where adults and middle age adults have significant power over children and young adults. B) Gender – Where males have disproportionate power over females. C) Arbiturary – Where social constructed highly salient groups base on characteristics, such as ethnicity, nation, race, clan, caste, religious sect, regional grouping or any other human group distinction.

Assumptions 3 Basic Assumptions of SDT Even though age and gender hierarchies exists within all, arbiturary will eventually rise up in systems with economic/material surplus. Most forms of oppression are different manifestations of the human tendency to form group based social hierarchies. Human social systems are subject to counterbalancing influences of hierarchy enhanced forces. These produce and maintain every higher levels of groups based social inequality and hierarchy-attenuating forces, producing greater levels of group based social equality. 3 Basic Assumptions of SDT Even though age and gender hierarchies exists within all, arbiturary will eventually rise up in systems with economic/material surplus. Most forms of oppression are different manifestations of the human tendency to form group based social hierarchies. Human social systems are subject to counterbalancing influences of hierarchy enhanced forces. These produce and maintain every higher levels of groups based social inequality and hierarchy-attenuating forces, producing greater levels of group based social equality.

(McIntosh, 1988; Neito, 2005; Weinberg, 1991) Social arrangements of dominance cause privileges to flow to certain groups whether or not those privileges are earned. Penalties, punishments, and inequities flow to other groups through no fault of their own other than their group membership. Social arrangements of dominance cause privileges to flow to certain groups whether or not those privileges are earned. Penalties, punishments, and inequities flow to other groups through no fault of their own other than their group membership. “Privilege and Penalty”