Measuring status-based inequality in small group interactions

• In Event: 40268 - New Looks at Old Theories

Abstract

Despite its omnipresence, inequality can be difficult to measure. Status characteristics and expectation states theory (SC-EST) is theoretically and methodologically rigorous. While deference is consistently defined in the literature, it is measured in different ways. Although different operationalizations of the same concept is not inherently problematic, if deference is measured differently, it may answer different questions or show different results. To systematically compare different measures of deference, we use simulated datasets. We operationalize deference in multiple ways and use different analytic techniques that are commonly used in SC-EST research. We find that in dyads, different operationalizations and analyses yield comparable results; but some modeling strategies may be more suitable to small sample sizes. In groups of three or more, however, we find that modeling strategies affect findings. First, the choice of comparison groups (e.g., within or between conditions) can dramatically change the interpretations of findings. Additionally, compared to measures of absolute difference, measures of rank/position provide novel insights. Specifically, we note an important distinction between the amount and persistence of inequality. We conclude with recommendations for SC-EST researchers who use deference as a dependent measure.

Authors

• Bianca Manago, Vanderbilt University

• Chantrey J. Murphy, California State University-Long Beach

• Hannah Regan, Case Western Reserve University

• Rachel Zajdel, National Institutes of Health

• Jane Sell, Texas A&M University-College Station

• Carla Goar, Kent State University