Research: Is It Representative of Social Realities?
Distinct patterns of approach in social psychology research have hindered our understanding of social injustices.
While social psychology research has examined underlying issues of social inequalities, sociologists Jocelyn Hollander and Judith Howard argue that psychosocial research is limited in its representation of the realities.
The social psychological methodology frequently neglects social context and the structure of power in comprehending the relationships between individuals and their social environments. It continues to focus on difference rather than similarity, the very aspect that produces and maintains inequalities. Instead, it attributes these differences to people’s fundamental nature.
Sociology and psychology are both scientific studies that concentrate on people. Social psychology examines the relations between individuals and their social environments. Social inequality, a branch of sociology, explores the patterns in society that give advantages to specific groups of people — while simultaneously generating disadvantages for people that diverge in characteristics associated with the dominant groups. The intersections of features like race, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexuality determine an individual’s social position.
The wealthy, white, and heterosexual males are classified as the dominant group, thereby exerting the most influence in American society. Social psychologists recognize that socioeconomic status and social position are important considerations in ascribing social behavior. Yet, Hollander and Howard say there is a noteworthy negligence in conducting research on matters concerning class. Until the 1970s, studies only included males and findings were subsequently generalized to all humans. Throughout the twentieth century, almost all studies have involved white individuals, validating ‘whiteness’ as the norm. Social psychologists still rarely consider subjects’ class position and sexuality when making conclusions about social behavior.
Social psychology distinguishes that differences create divisions and similarities provoke connections. Nonetheless, the research emphasizes overall group dissimilarities in regards to social positions. Hollander and Howard note that these expectations of group differences could be causing an exaggeration of differences, leading researchers to overlook similarities. Traits like race, gender, class and sexuality intersect in various ways to collectively influence social behavior. Alternatively, incorporating this fact into research can assist in grasping the beliefs and behaviors that legitimatize social inequalities. Consequently, this research could be applied towards solution-based studies and societal growth.
“Social Psychological Theories on Social Inequalities” — published by the American Sociological Association
