Week 4 - Dark side of power

Question 1

4.3

What is system justification theory?

Answer 1

Social hierarchies stay in existence (in part) because there is strong motive to defend and justify the status quo and keep the existing social order. Interestingly, not only high-power but even lower-power individuals may be motivated to maintain the unequal status hierarchy (even though this may be against their own self-interest).

Question 2

4.3

What are metamorphic effects of power (i.e. what does it mean?)

Answer 2

Kipnis’ theory argues that the exercise of power corrupts. Because powerholders can influence others, they come to believe they are personally responsible for any positive actions of their subordinates.

Question 3

4.3

What is social dominance theory?

Answer 3

Social dominance theory is a multiple-level explanation of social hierarchies. A central tenet is that members of high status (or dominant groups) are motivated to maintain their status. Their primary mechanism is the adoption of hierarchy legitimizing myths

Question 4

4.3

What are hierarchy legitimizing myths? (and what are they part of)

Answer 4

They are (prejudicial) beliefs and attitudes suggesting that lower-status individuals deserve their disadvantaged position.

Part of Social dominance theory