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Fundamental freedoms and the psychology of threat, bargaining, and inequality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 August 2013

Adam Sparks ,
Sandeep Mishra  and
Pat Barclay
Adam Sparks
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada. [email protected]@uoguelph.ca
Sandeep Mishra
Affiliation:
Faculty of Business Administration, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada. [email protected]://www.sandeepmishra.ca/
Pat Barclay
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada. [email protected]@uoguelph.ca
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Abstract

Van de Vliert's findings may be explained by the psychology of threat and bargaining. Poor people facing extreme threats must cope by surrendering individual freedom in service of shared group needs. Wealthier people are more able to flee from threats and/or resist authoritarianism, so their leaders must concede greater freedom. Incorporating these factors (plus inequality) can sharpen researchers' predictions.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 36 , Issue 5 , October 2013 , pp. 500 - 501
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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