Hostile classism and admiration: antecedents of the perceived humanity of low- and high-socioeconomic-status groups

Previous research shows that animalistically dehumanizing low-socioeconomic-status (SES) groups, compared to high, favours maintaining socioeconomic differences. Less is known about the variables that trigger the (de)humanization of these groups. We rely on previous literature about the causes of dehumanization to perform an extended analysis of the variables that potentially predict the attribution of humanity to these groups. In a large study (N = 765), we included several steps using hierarchical regression analysis to identify the contribution of each psychosocial process. Results highlight that low-SES (de)humanization was predicted by unrest and security towards the poor along with social dominance and hostile classic attitudes, while high-SES (de)humanization was predicted by individuals' sex, admiration and (lack of) shame towards the rich. This double path of ascribing humanity to groups based on their status is discussed and practical interventions to narrow the perceived humanity gap between low and high SES are highlighted.