Collective Anti‐Mattering: Belief That One's Group Is Being Disregarded Fuels Collective Action and Authoritarian Leadership Support Among Both Advantaged and Disadvantaged Groups

Groups are motivated not only by resources and status, but also by whether they matter to others. We introduce collective anti‐mattering, the belief that one's group does not count in the eyes of outgroups or society, and examine its emotional and political consequences. In Study 1 ( n = 368), among Black Americans, collective anti‐mattering was distinct from individual anti‐mattering and perceived group injustice and predicted group‐based anger, collective angst, support for collective action and strong‐leader support, with collective angst mediating political outcomes. Study 2 ( n = 552) replicated these patterns among Black British and further distinguished collective anti‐mattering from collective autonomy restriction and meta‐dehumanization. Study 3 ( n = 399) replicated the factor structure among White Americans and demonstrated distinctiveness from perceived existential threat. Moreover, collective anti‐mattering predicted collective action and strong‐leader support via collective angst, and opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and punitive immigration enforcement via group‐based anger. Collective anti‐mattering clarifies why group disregard becomes politically consequential.