A Comparison of Symbolic Racism Theory and Social Dominance Theory as Explanations for Racial Policy Attitudes

1992/06/01 by Jim Sidanius, Erik A. Devereux, Felicia Pratto · 3 citations
Social Sciences · Psychology · #Social and Intergroup Psychology #Social and Cultural Dynamics #Cultural Differences and Values #Racism #Dominance (genetics) #Mythology #Sociology #Social psychology #The Symbolic #Psychology #Gender studies #Psychoanalysis #Philosophy

paper · doi:10.1080/00224545.1992.9924713

openalex publication_date 1992/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

Symbolic racism and social dominance theories were compared by reanalysis of data from a national probability sample of 234 White Americans and by using observed-variables, structural equation models. Contrary to the conclusions reached by Jessor (1989), the results did not support the major contentions of symbolic racism theory; rather, they seemed more consistent with the assumptions of social dominance theory. The possibility that symbolic racism serves as an important legitimizing myth in American society is discussed.

Citations

• The Social Identity Theory of Intergroup Behavior
• A Theory of Social Comparison Processes

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• Social dominance theory [wikipedia]