 Example of the overlap
- White Women: they are white so they do not face racial discrimination (white skin is seen as the highest-status group regarding race) but their identity as women can cause them to be in the low-status group in regards to gender and sex discrimination. 


No dichotomy in the low and high-status groups: Collective action

It is important to note that as there are many characteristics that are considered negative and produce a disadvantage that many individuals can fall into both sides depending on the issues. 

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When discussing collective action the low-status group is defined as the group that is at a disadvantage because of the social, political, structural, etc. systems set up and maintained by those who are in the high-status group that discriminates because of a select characteristic.

1. the low-status group needs to have a sense of psychological collective empowerment as that helps elevate the feelings/idea that they can create change. This helps motivate individuals to participate in collective action.


Collective action: Low-status groups

 The high-status group is those who are not disadvantaged as they do not have the negative characteristics.


  -Those who belong to the high-status group tend to engage in oppressive acts. These acts can be something like perpetuating stereotypes, ignoring prejudice, minimizing impact. etc. Members of the high-status group engage in these acts because the acts are normalized through exposure as well as encouraged by other members.


Collective action: High-status groups

Van Zomeren, M. and Iyer, A. (2009), Introduction to the Social and Psychological Dynamics of Collective Action. Journal of Social Issues, 65: 645-660. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2009.01618.x

Introduction to the Social and Psychological Dynamics of Collective Action

An obstacle low-status groups face is when the prejudice is subtle and indirect. this makes it harder for individuals to see prejudice as a group problem instead they tend to relate it to their own personal faults. Those who experience overt prejudice are more likely to see it as a group problem.

Possible obstacle that low-status group members face

Separation Into Low- and High-status groups in collective action

Perception and the emotional reaction of those in the high-status group is also an important indicator of motivation. Members who perceive the prejudice and discrimination to be unfair and have a negative emotional response (anger not pity) to it are more likely to participate or support collective action regarding changing ideas and policy.

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