Is the belief in meritocracy palliative for members of low status groups? Evidence for a benefit for self‐esteem and physical health via perceived control

2013/06/01 by Shannon K. McCoy, Joseph D. Wellman, Brandon J. Cosley +4 · 1 citation
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Cultural Differences and Values #Social and Cultural Dynamics #Social and Intergroup Psychology

paper · doi:10.1002/ejsp.1959

openalex publication_date 2013/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

Consensually held ideologies may serve as the cultural "glue" that justifies hierarchical status differences in society (e.g. Augustinos, 1998). Yet to be effective these beliefs need to be embraced by low-status groups. Why would members of low-status groups endorse beliefs that justify their relative disadvantage? We propose that members of low-status groups in the United States may benefit from some system-justifying beliefs (such as the belief in meritocracy) to the extent that these beliefs emphasize the perception of control over future outcomes. In 2 studies, among women, lower-SES women, and women of color, we found a positive relationship between the belief in meritocracy and well-being (self-esteem and physical health) that was mediated by perceived control. Members of low-status groups may benefit from some system-justifying beliefs to the extent that these beliefs, like the belief in meritocracy, emphasize the perception of control over future outcomes.

Citations

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Cited by

• The Stickiness of Meritocratic Beliefs From Adolescence to Adulthood in Singapore

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