When are we better than them and they worse than us? A closer look at social discrimination in positive and negative domains

This article argues that in-group favoritism occurs on positive and negativ e dimensions only when the dimensions of comparison provide an appropriate and meaningful basis for self-other definition, that is, when traits compar atively and normatively fit in-group-out-group categorizations. Three studi es are reported in which groups were evaluated on positive or negative trai ts that varied in their degree of normative fit to in-group and out-group i dentity. In line with predictions, fit rather than stimulus valence was the crucial determinant of (a) in-group favoritism and (b) absolute level of d ifferentiation between groups. Implications of the findings for explanation s of positive-negative asymmetry and broader understandings of intergroup d iscrimination are discussed.