The effects of relative deprivation and relative gratification on implicit and overt intergroup discrimination

This research examines the effects of relative deprivation (RD) and relative gratification (RG) on implicit and overt forms of discrimination toward the vis-à-vis outgroup. Moreover, it investigated the processes underlying RG and RD effects. Relative deprivation and relative gratification of minimal groups were operationalized in terms of discrepancy between one’s group expectations and attainments in comparison with the attainments of the other group present in the experimental setting. Study 1 showed that both group conditions enhanced implicit discrimination – measured through variations of linguistic abstraction in intergroup descriptions – in comparison with a control condition. Both RD and RG groups expressed linguistic ingroup favouritism, whereas disadvantaged groups also conveyed linguistic outgroup derogation. Study 2 revealed that RD and RG groups were discriminatory in intergroup allocations of negative outcomes. These effects were mediated by perceived interdependence. Study 3 examined the role of specific emotional reactions - guilt/discomfort and fear of losing the ingroup advantage – as mediators of RG effects. Findings revealed a sequential effect of mediation so that the effects of RG on discrimination were mediated by feelings of guilt/discomfort and expectations of discrimination by the outgroup. These studies highlight that individuals’ perception of expectations’ violation deteriorates the relation with the vis-à-vis outgroup regardless of their actual privileged or disadvantaged position, and suggest that specific group experiences may have distinct effects on different facets of discrimination. Moreover, results contribute to the understanding of RD and RG effects by pointing out the mediating role of emotional and cognitive variables.