Social dominance orientation and stereotype influence perception of social distance between classes

• Pei Wang

  East China Normal University

• Chen-hao Tan

  Shanghai Normal University

• Wei Wu

  Shanghai Normal University

• Xin-Min Luo

  Shanghai Normal University

Social dominance orientation (SDO) and stereotypes about out-groups can influence social distance significantly. We tested the effects of these 2 factors on social distance and a probable mediation effect of upper class stereotype with participants from lower class groups of Chinese people in 3 studies (N = 105 in Study 1; N = 102 in Study 2; N = 112 in Study 3). The results in Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that higher SDO and a more positive stereotype elicited less social distance between lower class and upper class members. In Study 3, the mediation effect of stereotype was also significant. These results provide insight into the mechanism of the perceived social distance between social classes, which is meaningful for social harmony in China.

1. Pei Wang, East China Normal University
   Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education
2. Chen-hao Tan, Shanghai Normal University
   Department of Psychology
3. Wei Wu, Shanghai Normal University
   Department of Psychology
4. Xin-Min Luo, Shanghai Normal University
   Department of Psychology

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