Dehumanization and Socioeconomic Status: Replicating and Extending the Animalization of Low-SES Targets and the Mechanization of High-SES Targets

In three preregistered, high-powered studies, we replicated and extended findings on dehumanization based on socioeconomic status (SES), where low-SES groups are denied Human Uniqueness (animalization), and high-SES groups are denied Human Nature (mechanization). Study 1 ( N = 296, representative sample, 3.25 times the original sample) replicated Sainz et al.’s first study, confirming the animalization of low-SES groups but not consistently supporting the mechanization of high-SES groups. Study 2 ( N = 536, representative sample) used adapted materials and successfully replicated both phenomena. Study 3 ( N = 103 students) extended the findings by shifting from judgments of social groups to judgments of individual targets. We subtly induced SES via facial characteristics and assessed dehumanization through perceived animal- or robot-likeness. Results were consistent with both forms of dehumanization. This research provides evidence of the robustness and generalizability of SES-based dehumanization, contributing to the understanding of social inequalities and the perceptions that justify them.