Understanding Intra-Group Variations in Prejudice — The Role of Perceived Legitimacy and Stability

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Abstract
Social Identity Theory predicts that the pattern of intergroup behaviour is a function of the relative status of the groups involved, and the perceived security of this hierarchy. Insecurity of social identity arises if the intergroup situation is seen as unstable and/or illegitimate. In this paper the authors suggest that these factors may also contribute to intra-group variations in outgroup discrimination and hostility. This was empirically investigated using black and white students from a South African university, at a time when social change appeared imminent. A measure of perceptions of status, stability and legitimacy was developed, and the effect of these perceptions on attitudes and various measures of discrimination tested. A consistent finding was that of the white subjects, those who perceived the intergroup situation as illegitimate, gave significantly less discriminatory responses than did those who perceived it as legitimate. The results provide support for some of the theoretical predictions.

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