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The Social Psychology of Inequality at Work: Individual, Group, and Organizational Dimensions

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Handbook of the Social Psychology of Inequality

Part of the book series: Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research ((HSSR))

Abstract

We address both the macro and the micro levels that affect inequality among workers. At the macro level, we consider class, racial/ethnic, and gender inequality, job segregation, anti-discrimination legislation, affirmative action, and differences in authority. We also consider differential access to the power and resources that enable some workers to better position themselves for both skill development and rewards. In this regard, we discuss social capital and opportunity hoarding. At the micro level, we discuss several key theories that have been used to explain intergroup inequality, including status construction theory, social identity theory, social dominance theory, and a relational view of group inequality. We close this section by highlighting the challenges these processes create for low status workers, especially in the context of long term inequality. We further explore the psychological challenges for working class and low status workers by reviewing the literature on alienation. We also discuss the extensive literature on workers’ attitudes and inequality, including life satisfaction and happiness, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Finally, we address the effects of under employment and unemployment. This chapter brings a critical lens to the study of the social psychology of inequality among workers.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Most of the effects that we have reviewed are of general job satisfaction, which incorporates a number of different components (including satisfaction with work, with co-workers, with supervision, and with the company, among other things). Although there are many articles that differentiate which specific characteristics affect which components of job satisfaction, it is beyond the scope of this review to address that level of specificity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rutgers Business School—Newark and New Brunswick, 143 South Martine Avenue, 07023, Fanwood, NJ, USA

    Nancy DiTomaso

  2. Jesse H. Jones School of Business, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA

    Rochelle Parks-Yancy

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  1. Nancy DiTomaso
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  2. Rochelle Parks-Yancy
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Correspondence to Nancy DiTomaso .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA

    Jane D. McLeod

  2. Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA

    Edward J. Lawler

  3. Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Corolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

    Michael Schwalbe

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DiTomaso, N., Parks-Yancy, R. (2014). The Social Psychology of Inequality at Work: Individual, Group, and Organizational Dimensions. In: McLeod, J., Lawler, E., Schwalbe, M. (eds) Handbook of the Social Psychology of Inequality. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9002-4_18

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