Description
Book SynopsisIntegrating theory and research from social psychology, political science, sociology, and history, Mols and Jetten systematically investigate why prosperity and success can also fuel intolerance, social unrest, and intergroup hostility. The Wealth Paradox provides a timely and important re-evaluation of the role that economic forces play in shaping prejudice.
Trade Review'Mols and Jetten present a compelling case for the importance of the wealth paradox. This timely and fascinating book should serve as essential reading for all those interested in the continuing debate about economic conditions and hostilities towards minorities and newcomers.' Maykel Verkuyten, Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands
'A game-changer! Analyses of xenophobia typically focus on the anxieties of those at the bottom of the hierarchy. The authors carefully unsettle the academic and lay assumptions behind that focus and problematise the status concerns of the comparatively well-off. This is a provocative book of immense contemporary significance.' Nick Hopkins, University of Dundee
'The Wealth Paradox is a timely, clear and important corrective to the traditional social science assumption that only harsh times and contexts produce xenophobia and prejudice. Mols and Jetten integrate data and theory from history, social psychology, political science and psychology to craft an analysis of relative advantage that will change the way we think about the relationship between wealth and prejudice.' Heather Smith, Sonoma State University, California
'This book is an impressive deep dive into the motives of 'people from relatively well-to-do circles', uncovering their leadership role in the protests of the less privileged. The scientific analysis of how and why prosperity also affects intergroup relations calls for a collective responsibility for combatting increasing global inequality.' Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti, University of Helsinki, Finland
'… this book deserves an audience beyond academia: this is myth-busting at its most politically useful.' The Times Higher Education Supplement
Table of ContentsPart I. What We Know (Or Think We Know): 1. Recognising the elephant; 2. Tracing the origins of 'harsh times' assumptions; 3. Empirical evidence for the 'harsh times producing hard attitudes' hypothesis; Part II. Broadening our Horizon: The 'Wealth Paradox': 4. Rethinking the relationship between wealth and tolerance: national, regional and local trends; 5. Development aid, charitable giving and economic prosperity; 6. The relative nature of wealth; Part III. Understanding the 'Wealth Paradox': 7. Towards an explanation of the wealth paradox: introducing social identity theorising; 8. The wealth paradox explained; 9. The missing link: crafty politicians galvanising latent sentiments; Final words.
