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Two Sources of Alienation from Society: The Role of Economic Relative Deprivation, Anti-Mainstream Identities, and Perceived Ingroup Injustice

Author

Listed:
  • Davide Melita

    (Jagiellonian University
    National University of Distance Education)

  • Malgorzata Kossowska

    (Jagiellonian University)

  • Piotr Dragon

    (Jagiellonian University)

  • Manuel Moyano

    (University of Cordoba)

  • Monika Gołąb

    (Jagiellonian University)

  • Agata Andrysiak

    (Jagiellonian University)

  • Reyes Rodríguez

    (University of Cordoba)

Abstract

Five cross-sectional pre-registered studies (N = 2925) were conducted in different European countries to examine personal economic relative deprivation and perceived ingroup injustice as predictors of alienation from society (i.e., societal alienation), alongside the role of humiliation. Additionally, we explored whether the adoption of anti-mainstream identities is linked to the collective roots of societal alienation. Across all studies, anti-mainstream identities were operationalized as identities opposing the status quo, endorsing anti-mainstream narratives, or subjectively defined as anti-mainstream. Results consistently revealed that both personal economic relative deprivation and perceived ingroup injustice significantly predicted societal alienation. Furthermore, anti-mainstream identities exhibited a serial indirect effect on societal alienation through heightened perceived ingroup injustice and experienced humiliation in Studies 1a-3a, and through heightened perceived ingroup injustice in Study 3b. This research contributes to our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underpinning societal alienation, a precursor to various societal outcomes, including the rise of authoritarian populism or political polarization.

Suggested Citation

  • Davide Melita & Malgorzata Kossowska & Piotr Dragon & Manuel Moyano & Monika Gołąb & Agata Andrysiak & Reyes Rodríguez, 2025. "Two Sources of Alienation from Society: The Role of Economic Relative Deprivation, Anti-Mainstream Identities, and Perceived Ingroup Injustice," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 180(2), pages 589-617, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:180:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11205-025-03687-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-025-03687-7
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