ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how peoples' group memberships impact their moral judgement about social inequality and how to address this. Western societies tend to champion so-called individual mobility ideologies. Maintaining that group-based discrimination is rare and exceptional also releases US from the obligation of taking action to address unfair procedures or to compensate for unfair outcomes more systematically. The chapter presents studies that reveal the discomfort experienced by members of privileged groups in society. Despite their good fortune, it is painful for them both to acknowledge their current enjoyment of privilege and to actually give it up in the future. Stereotypical expectations are often considered harmless heuristics that are based on a 'kernel of truth'. Recognizing the process that is at play, understanding where it comes from and anticipating on its occurrence in communicating equality measures can help. Regardless of whether positive or negative expectations are raised; stereotyping, objectification, and dehumanization of other groups can legitimize unfair and immoral behavior.
