from Part I - Intergroup Relations and Group Processes
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 September 2025
This chapter examines how groups respond to disadvantage, beginning with a discussion of the various ways intergroup inequality manifests across three levels: material (e.g. violence, segregation), symbolic (e.g., stereotypes, devaluation), and systemic (e.g., biased judicial systems). The chapter emphasises the real and diverse impacts of these disadvantages on everyday lives. Further, this chapter explores individual and collective reactions to disadvantage, from acceptance and minimisation to social mobility and reappraisal of group differences. Collective responses, such as social creativity and mobilisation, are highlighted as vital for resilience and social change. The factors are discussed that influence disadvantaged groups’ choice of responses, including individual factors, social support and ‘intersectionalities’ – being part of multiple groups. The chapter also suggests that individual and societal levels of analysis influence internal group dynamics and the effectiveness of collective actions.
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