Reactions to Intragroup Deviance: Does Disidentification Have a Role?

ABSTRACT

In this study, we address previous evidence about the interchangeable use of derogation and disidentification in protecting the self from intragroup deviance. We argue that when the in-group stands for a valued social identity, members may disidentify from the group, but only if the immediate context provides no opportunity to derogate. In the present experiments (n = 80 and n = 79), we provided or did not provide participants with the opportunity to recommend a punishment for an in-group or an out-group deviant. We also measured in-group identification before and after exposure to deviant behavior and after judgment. The results show that participants first disidentified from the in-group but, when presented with an opportunity to judge the deviant, also derogated. Importantly, participants who could judge the deviant also recovered their initial in-group identification level. Participants’ reactions to the out-group deviant suggest they used an intergroup rather than intragroup strategy.

Keywords:

• black sheep
• disidentification
• in-group deviance
• punishment
• social identity

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to thank Jon Grahe and two anonymous reviewers for their comments on previous versions. Thanks are also due to Ruben Saúde for his assistance in conducting Study 1.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Miguel Cameira

Miguel Cameira is affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto.

Tiago Azevedo Ribeiro

Tiago Azevedo Ribeiro is affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto.