(Anti-)egalitarianism differentially predicts empathy for members of advantaged versus disadvantaged groups.

• DOI: 10.1037/pspa0000112
• Publication Date: 2018-04-19T23:06:01Z
• Authors: Brian J. Lucas; Nour S. Kteily
• Keywords: Egalitarianism; Disadvantaged

We explore the relationship between group-based egalitarianism and empathy for members of advantaged groups (e.g., corporate executives; state officials) versus disadvantaged blue-collar workers; schoolteachers) subjected to harmful actions, events, or policies. Whereas previous research suggests that anti-egalitarians (vs. egalitarians) dispositionally exhibit less others, we propose this depends on target's position in social hierarchy. examined question across eight studies (N = 3,154) conducted U.S. U.K., including online in-person experiments examining attitudinal behavioral outcomes. observed (anti-)egalitarianism negatively predicted situations, but positively groups. This pattern held regardless perceivers' own membership (i.e., perceiver gender, race, SES). (Anti-)egalitarianism's differential effects targets were attributable part differences perceived degree harm incurred (beyond roles value conflict deservingness): Egalitarians same action as more than when it occurred a target an target. also explored how these patterns informed individuals' downstream policy attitudes policy-relevant behavior willingness sign petition). Our findings enrich understanding by testing competing perspectives link empathy, demonstrating why preferences equality hierarchy) lead them extend withhold empathy. (PsycINFO Database Record