Exploring How Stereotype Modification Mediates the Relationship between Social Dominance and Multicultural Acceptance

Abstract

This research examines the mediating role of stereotype modification in the relationship between social dominance orientation (SDO) and multicultural acceptance in South Korea’s increasingly diverse society. We obtained a sample of 402 participants between the ages of 20 and 65 through an online survey. We used SPSS 26.0 for statistical analyses, including frequency, correlation, and regression analyses. Employing Hayes’ Model 4, we examined the mediation effect with a bootstrap sample of 10,000 iterations, determining the significance of the effect with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The results revealed nuanced relationships among the variables, shedding light on the complex dynamics of social cognition and intergroup relationships in the South Korean context. The research concludes that individuals with a higher social dominance orientation tend to have lower acceptance of multiculturalism and are more likely to hold prejudiced attitudes toward outgroups. This finding suggests that SDO is a significant factor in integrating and adapting migrants into host societies and can lead to social conflict. The study implies that addressing SDO is crucial for fostering positive attitudes toward multiculturalism and reducing discrimination.

Keywords

• social dominance orientation (SDO)
• discrimination
• multicultural acceptance
• cognitive flexibility