Analysis

The analysis of Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) focuses on understanding the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence individuals’ willingness to accept or reject hierarchical social structures. Through this analysis, researchers examine how SDO is linked to various social phenomena such as racism, sexism, and xenophobia. In addition, the effects of SDO on individuals’ political and economic attitudes, as well as their interpersonal relationships, are investigated.

Objective

The primary objective of studying SDO is to understand and explain why some individuals and groups support inequalities and hierarchical structures in society. Through this understanding, researchers can develop strategies and policies to promote social equality and reduce discrimination. Furthermore, understanding SDO can help in the design of educational programs and interventions aimed at changing attitudes and behaviors that sustain social injustice.

Calibration

Calibration of SDO is usually conducted through questionnaires that assess individuals’ attitudes toward social inequality and hierarchy. These questionnaires include statements such as “Some groups of people are simply inferior to others” or “We should strive for equality among all groups.” Responses are scored on a scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.” Overall scores indicate the extent to which an individual supports or rejects social hierarchy and inequality.

Bibliography

Pratto, F., Sidanius, J., Stallworth, L. M., & Malle, B. F. (1994). Social dominance orientation: A personality variable predicting social and political attitudes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(4), 741–763.
Ho, A. K., Sidanius, J., Pratto, F., Levin, S., Thomsen, L., Kteily, N., & Sheehy-Skeffington, J. (2012). Social dominance orientation: Revisiting the structure and function of a variable predicting social and political attitudes. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38(5), 583–606.