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Faustian bargains for minorities within group-based hierarchies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2012

C. David Navarrete  and
Melissa M. McDonald
C. David Navarrete
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology; Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. c.d.navarrete@gmail.com / cdn@msu.edumcdon348@msu.edu
Melissa M. McDonald
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology; Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. c.d.navarrete@gmail.com / cdn@msu.edumcdon348@msu.edu
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Abstract

A dual-audience signaling problem framework provides a deeper understanding of the perpetuation of group-based inequality. We describe a model of underachievement among minority youth that posits a necessary trade-off between academic success and peer social support that creates a dilemma not typically encountered by nonminorities. Preliminary evidence consistent with the approach is discussed. Such strategic agent perspectives complement the psychological approach put forth by Dixon et al., but with minimal ancillary assumptions.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 35 , Issue 6 , December 2012 , pp. 442 - 443
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012 

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References

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