Sentiments and Status: The Dyad? The Triad? Or Both?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how sentiments may be a part of, or adjacent to, status generalization. We demonstrate why this problem is so difficult to solve definitively, as many resolutions may exist. Sentiments may present the properties of graded status characteristics but may also be disrupted by processes of the self. Sentiments may have status properties enacted within dyadic interactions. However, sentiments may also be status elements during triadic constellations of actors. Finally, we discuss current research that is underway to provide more empirical evidence to offer confirmation or disconfirmation for some of our proposed models.

Methodology/Approach

We provide a synthesis of literatures, including pieces from group processes, neuroscience, psychology, and network scholarship, to address the relation between sentiment and status processes. Accordingly, this is a conceptual chapter.

Research Limitations/Implications

We attempt to motivate future research by exploring the many complications of examining these issues.

Social Implications

Understanding how social inequalities may emerge during group interaction allows researchers to address their deleterious effects. Positive sentiments (in other words, “liking”) should bring actors closer together to complete tasks successfully. Ironically, when paired with negative sentiments within task groups, inequalities in group opportunities may result. To address these social inequalities, a thorough understanding of how they develop is necessary, so that efficacious interventions can be adopted.

Originality/Value

This deep dive into the relation between sentiment and status processes joins the 25-year quest to understand the issues surrounding this relationship.

Citation

Bianchi, A.J., Lyu, Y. and Popovaite, I. (2023), "Sentiments and Status: The Dyad? The Triad? Or Both?", Kalkhoff, W., Thye, S.R. and Lawler, E.J. (Ed.) Advances in Group Processes (Advances in Group Processes, Vol. 40), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 141-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0882-614520230000040007