Abstract
Is class-based contact associated with legitimation of inequality? Drawing from the idea that people adopt beliefs predominant in groups with whom they interact, we hypothesized that upper-class contact would correspond to greater legitimation of inequality, whereas lower-class contact would correspond to lesser legitimation of inequality among lower- and upper-class individuals. We also hypothesized that middle-class individuals might possess a more precarious identity, leading lower-class contact to correspond to higher legitimation of inequality. We tested hypotheses using a nationally representative sample from Chile (N = 4446; Study 1), and nationally representative samples from 28 countries (N = 43,811; Study 2). Support for hypotheses was mixed. Upper-class contact was often associated with greater legitimation of inequality, whereas lower-class contact was frequently related to lower legitimation of inequality. Patterns emerged among most social class groups, but there was also variation across groups. We discuss potential explanations for results along with theoretical implications for class-based contact.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 572-590 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | British Journal of Social Psychology |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2024 |
Keywords
- intergroup contact
- legitimation of inequality
- social class
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology