In line with recent evidence of linguistic discrimination within minimal groups, the present experiment examines the effects of asymmetries of status between minimal groups on linguistic discrimination. Equal-, high-, and low-status groups were created by modifying the standard minimal group condition. Linguistic data were obtained by asking participants to describe a choice (parity vs. in-group favoritism vs. out-group favoritism) made by either an in-group or an out-group member in allocating negative outcomes (i.e., seconds of noise to be listened via earphones). Results showed that high- and low-status groups described the out-group in a more biased fashion than did equal-status groups, suggesting that asymmetries of status enhance out-group derogation. This study contributes to evidence of linguistic discrimination in the realm of minimal groups when groups differ in their relative social position.
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