Membership status and subjective group dynamics: who triggers the black sheep effect?

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2010 Jul;99(1):107-19. doi: 10.1037/a0018187.

Abstract

In 3 experiments, participants (Ns = 50, 95, and 75, respectively) judged 2 ingroup or outgroup members who occupied 1 of 3 statuses--new members, full members, or marginal members. In each case, 1 of these members adopted a normative position and another supported a deviant position regarding a relevant issue. Participants upgraded normative ingroup full members and derogated deviant ingroup full members compared with all other members. In addition, derogation of deviant ingroup members was associated with a socializing and a punishing intention toward new members and full members, respectively. These results are discussed in terms of the group socialization model (e.g., Levine & Moreland, 1994) and the subjective group dynamics model (e.g., Marques, Paez, & Abrams, 1998).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Behavior Control / psychology
  • Female
  • Hierarchy, Social
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Peer Group
  • Prejudice
  • Social Behavior
  • Social Identification*
  • Socialization
  • Young Adult