Representing or defecting ? : the pursuit of individual upward mobility in low status groups

Abstract

This dissertation investigated the conditions under which the individual upward mobility of mem-bers of low status groups is likely to succeed and when it is likely to meet resistance. In addition, it examines how upwardly mobile individuals can create such beneficial conditions.

The results presented in this dissertation show support from fellow members of the low status group to be a key resource. Such ingroup support enables members of low status groups to persevere in the pursuit of individual upward mobility, even in the face of opposition from the high status outgroup. The results indicate that ingroup support is given to individuals the more they are perceived to represent the ingroup with their upward mobility. Moreover, the extent to which upwardly mobile individuals are perceived as representatives depends on how they associate with the low status ingroup.

The results also show that the degree to which upwardly mobile individuals display their association with the low status group affects whether they meet resistance from the outgroup. While the high status outgroup is concerned about behavioral displays, it is less concerned with affective identification of upwardly mobile individuals of low status groups with their group. Explanations of these effects are offered.