When Group and System Justification Motivations Conflict: The Role of Status Legitimizing Beliefs and Group Identification in Predicting Latinos Reaction to In-Group Claims of Discrimination

Event Center A & B

Previous research has found that both group identification (the extent to which one’s group is central to their identity) and status legitimizing beliefs (SLB: the extent to which one believes the existing social system is just, fair and legitimate) predict individuals’ responses to claims of discrimination (Wilkins, Wellman, & Schad, 2015). Both these factors are considered to be motivational in nature; group identification motivates individuals to look out for the in-group, whereas SLBs motivate individuals to look out for and justify the existing social system. Among low status individuals (e.g., women, ethnic minority members) group identification is associated with more positive evaluations and support for in-group members who claim discrimination. However, SLBs among low status individuals are associated with decreased support for in-group claimants, as their claims threaten the stability of the status hierarchy. In the current study we examine if there is an interaction between these conflicting motivations and reactions to identify under what circumstances low status individuals will support or fail to support in-group members who claim discrimination. In a sample of (N=243) Latino undergraduate students we find a significant interaction between SLBs and group identification in predicting reactions to a Latino claimant of discrimination, as well as support for the company against which the claim was made. In addition, we examine the effect of the presence or lack of presence of diversity statements. Implications for both group identification and system justification are discussed.