Attitudes towards Minorities

Exploring the relationship between perceptions of gender inequalities and attitudes towards minoritie

NESSUNO SI SALVA DA SOLO: IDENTIFICAZIONE NAZIONALE ED EUROPEA COME PREDITTORI DELLE ASPETTATIVE PER IL FUTURO E DEL BISOGNO DI UN LEADER FORTE DURANTE L'EMERGENZA COVID-19

Studi condotti nell’ambito della SIT mostrano che l’identificazione con i gruppi di appartenenza, soprattutto in situazioni di emergenza, porta gli individui a comportarsi in modo altruistico, a perseguire il bene comune, oltre ad aumentare la fiducia verso gli altri membri e i leader. Al contrario, i sentimenti di insicurezza rappresentano un terreno fertile per il desiderio di leader forti e per il proliferare di teorie del complotto. Presentiamo due studi che hanno verificato se l’identità sociale a diversi livelli di inclusività (i.e., identificazione con l’Italia e con l'Unione Europea) svolga un ruolo positivo nell’affrontare la pandemia da COVID-19. In particolare, ci aspettiamo che alti livelli di identificazione sociale portino ad aspettative positive per il futuro e a una minore necessità di un leader forte, che invece dovrebbe essere positivamente associata alla fiducia nelle teorie del complotto. I dati sono stati raccolti attraverso un questionario online durante il picco dell'epidemia (aprile 2020; Studio 1; N=846) e la cosiddetta Fase 2 (giugno 2020; Studio 2, N=363). Oltre alle scale di identificazione (nazionale ed europea), di fiducia verso le istituzioni, di aspettative verso il futuro (Studio 1), di necessità di un leader forte e di supporto alle teorie del complotto (Studio 2), è stato considerato il ruolo dell'orientamento politico e dell'esperienza personale con il Coronavirus. I risultati del SEM mostrano un'associazione positiva tra identificazioni e aspettative per il futuro, mediata dalla fiducia nelle istituzioni (Studio 1). L'identificazione europea porta ad una minor necessità di un leader forte, che a sua volta è positivamente correlata alla tendenza a credere alle teorie del complotto (Studio 2). In conclusione, i processi di identificazione sociale, soprattutto con l’Europa, possono aiutare le persone ad affrontare la pandemia. Promuovere un'identità europea potrebbe rappresentare uno strumento utile per aiutare le persone a fronteggiare la crisi presente e persino futura

Behind the Lines of #MeToo: Exploring Women’s and Men’s Intentions to Join the Movement

Campaigns supporting victims of gender harassment and abuse, such as #MeToo, have made and still make significant contributions to achieving the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal aimed at eliminating “all forms of violence against all women”. In two correlational studies, we examined possible antecedents of people’s willingness to participate in the #MeToo campaign by focusing on the role of ambivalent beliefs toward women and men and the perceived effects of the movement. Men (Study 1) and women (Study 2) were asked to answer questions concerning hostile and benevolent beliefs about women and men, respectively, their perception of the beneficial and detrimental effects of #MeToo, and their intentions to participate in the campaign. Study 1 showed that men’s hostile sexism toward women was associated with fewer intentions to actively support the #MeToo campaign and that the reduced beliefs that the movement had beneficial effects mediated this relation. Study 2 revealed that women’s stronger benevolent beliefs about men were associated with decreased perception that the #MeToo campaign had a beneficial impact. In turn, such a perception was related to lower intentions to participate in supporting the campaign. Moreover, women’s hostility toward men explained the intention to join the #MeToo movement through the mediation of the perception that the campaign was beneficial. The findings suggest that to foster participation in a feminist movement that promotes women’s rights, it is necessary to eradicate traditional gender roles and the related ideologies that legitimate men’s dominant position in society

Data_Sheet_1_Turning ingroup wounds into bonds: perceptions of gender inequalities predict attitudes toward other minorities.pdf

Despite significant strides in reducing gender disparities over the past decades, women still face disparities in several domains. While extensive research has explored the various consequences of gender inequalities for women, this study (N = 493 participants) delves into a less-explored dimension, investigating whether and how perceiving gender inequalities is associated with attitudes toward minorities. Drawing on relative deprivation theory and intra-minority solidarity research, we examined the relationship between women's perceptions of gender inequalities—spanning workplace inequality, domestic inequality, sexual harassment, and social expectations—and attitudes toward gays and lesbians, transgender women, and immigrants. We also explored whether indignation, arising from recognizing unjust circumstances, mediated these relationships, and the moderating role of perceived friends' support for gender equality. The results of the path analyses unveiled a nuanced relationship. While women who were more aware of gender inequalities exhibited more positive attitudes toward gays and lesbians and transgender women, no such relationship was observed regarding immigrants. Indignation and perceived friends' support for gender equality were key factors in fostering positive intergroup attitudes. Regarding their moderating role, perceived social norms only influenced the relationship between indignation and attitudes toward gays and lesbians. These findings shed light on the intricate interplay between gender inequalities and minority group attitudes. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of gender inequality and its emotional impact can catalyze promoting coalitional attitudes and collective action among disadvantaged groups. The study also underscores the potential of close groups' norms in promoting positive intergroup attitudes, warranting further exploration.</p

Evaluation of stakeholder opinion about Long Term Care Facilities for People with Dementia perceived quality: a web-based survey in the Italian context

Background and aim: Italy is a country where the percentage of elderly population is very high (23% over 65). The aim of the investigation is to bring out which aspects of the spaces intended to accommodate elderly People with Dementia pathologies should be most present and potentially interested in becoming cornerstones of a new model of Long-Term Care facilities (LTC). Methods: This research uses a case studies analysis followed by a web based survey as methodological tools. The questions were identified following an analysis of recent European case studies. The survey has been submitted to a panel of stakeholders (users, pratictioner, designer and manager in the healthcare sector). It is articulated in eight items touching on functional, configurational, and perceptual aspects of the LTC. Results: The 210 responses received provided a basis for comparison with the trend lines detected by the case study analysis, establishing continuity on some configurational aspects and providing divergent views for others. The research found a strong need to introduce new service activities and technologies aimed at the care and assistance of guests with dementia. These specific needs often involve the introduction of new spaces and environments or the redefinition of the same, where already present. Conclusions: The results highlights that a new model of residence must incorporate new technological applications, outdoor spaces, that are perceived significantly by both patients and practitioners, and improve well-being of all users

SO FAR, SO CLOSE: IDENTIFICATION WITH PROXIMAL AND DISTAL GROUPS AS PROMOTORS OF VACCINATION, CONTAINMENT MEASURES AND PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIORS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

A robust body of research highlighted the fundamental role of social identification in dealing with emergencies and in predicting commitment in cooperative behavior. We report the results of a research carried out during April and June 2020 to verify whether the subjective sense of belonging to meaningful groups affected the way people were able to cope with the pandemic crisis. Our findings showed that different identifications (with family, friends, Italy, Europe, humanity) represent a benefit for the collectiveness by leading people to increase their intention of being vaccinated, to adhere to containment measures (keeping physical distancing, rubbing hands with alcohol-based sanitizers, wearing face mask), and to be involved in prosocial actions (helping the elderly in needs). Moreover, social identifications promote individuals’ psychological well-being by reducing their negative emotions and the perception of the negative impact of the pandemic on their lives. The implication of different types of identification (proximal vs distant) on the intention to get vaccinated, to accept containment measures and to help others will be discussed

No one is saved alone: National and European identification as predictors of positive future expectations and lower need for a strong leader during COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: The research examined whether group identities at different levels of inclusiveness – i.e., identifications with one’s country and the European Union – are related to responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expected that stronger identifications would lead to positive future expectations and lower need for a strong leader, which should instead be positively associated to belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Background: According to the social identity approach, identifying with the groups to which one belongs brings a number of benefits for individuals and increases mutual trust. Conversely, feelings of insecurity might be a breeding ground for beliefs in conspiracy theories and result in a wish for strong authorities. Methods: Data were collected online during the peak of the Italian Coronavirus outbreak (April 2020; Study 1; N = 846) and the so-called Phase 2 (June 2020; Study 2, N = 363). The role of demographics, political orientation and personal experience with the Coronavirus were considered. Results. Results of SEM showed a positive association between identifications and expectations for the future, mediated by trust in institutions (Study 1). European identification predicted lower need for strong leader, which was positively related to belief in conspiracy theories (Study 2). Conclusions. This research highlights how social identification processes – especially identification with the EU – can help individuals deal with the pandemic. Clearly promoting a sense of interdependence and a European identity might represent an advisable endeavour in helping people cope with the present and even future crisis