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Varieties of (De) Humanization: Divided by Competition and Status

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Objectification and (De)Humanization

Part of the book series: Nebraska Symposium on Motivation ((NSM,volume 60))

Abstract

Recognizing or denying another’s humanity varies predictably along apparently universal dimensions of the other’s perceived warmth (trustworthiness) and competence. New data reveal distinct neural and behavioral signatures of (de)humanizing responses to distinct kinds of ingroups and outgroups on these dimensions. The most dehumanized outgroups (low on both warmth and competence) elicit disgust and avoidance, devalued as literally worth-less. In contrast, groups disliked for seeming cold but respected for competence elicit envy and Schadenfreude. Reactions to pitied outgroups—disrespected for seeming incompetent, but apparently likable enough for seeming trustworthy and warm—focus on prescriptions for their behavior. The humanization of ingroup members, who are both liked and respected, reflects individuating processes in impression formation, not necessarily accurate but at least three-dimensionally human.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to recognize her many collaborators’ contributions to the research described here, as well as support from the Russell Sage Foundation.

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  1. Princeton University, Princeton, USA

    Susan T. Fiske

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  1. Susan T. Fiske
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Correspondence to Susan T. Fiske .

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  1. , Dept of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 338 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, 68588, Nebraska, USA

    Sarah J. Gervais

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Fiske, S.T. (2013). Varieties of (De) Humanization: Divided by Competition and Status. In: Gervais, S. (eds) Objectification and (De)Humanization. Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, vol 60. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6959-9_3

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