“I am (oppressed), therefore I see”: Multiple stigmatized identities predict belief in generalized prejudice and intraminority coalition

Abstract

ABSTRACT Integrating lay theory of generalized prejudice (LTGP) and intersectionality frameworks, the present research demonstrated that, across four samples (N = 7,121), people with a greater number of stigmatized identities (based on race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation) endorsed LTGP more strongly, perceived greater similarities across marginalized groups, and ultimately indicated stronger support for intraminority coalitions (Studies 1–3) and specifically stronger policy support for low-SES people (Study 3). Notably, multiply stigmatized people (especially those with three stigmatized identities) endorsed LTGP and intraminority coalitions more strongly than did singly stigmatized and non-stigmatized people, who did not significantly differ from each other on these outcomes. Together, these findings highlight the importance of intersectionality in understanding intraminority relations and contribute to coalition-building efforts across oppressed groups.