French Validation of the Social Dominance Orientation Scale7 (SDO7) by Ho et al. (2015): A Two-Dimensional Approach to Social Inequality Support.

Abstract

This pre-registered study presents the French-language validation of the Social Dominance Orientation scale₇ (SDO₇), originally developed by Ho et al. (2015). The SDO is a key variable in research on intergroup relations. Over the past two decades, a bidimensional conceptualization has emerged, distinguishing between SDO-Dominance (SDO-D) and SDO-Egalitarianism (SDO-E). These subdimensions enhance our understanding of the legitimizing myths that sustain social hierarchy. According to the original work of Ho et al. (2015), and across three independent samples (N = 1121), we found that a four-factor model (SDO-D; SDO-E; Pro-trait; Con-trait) provided the best fit to the data compared to three alternative models. Additionally, we examined the concurrent validity of the subscales using partial correlations. Results indicate that the subscales are differentially associated with attitudes and endorsement of ideological beliefs. Specifically, SDO-D is more strongly associated with attitudes and ideologies that directly oppress disadvantaged groups, whereas SDO-E is more closely linked to subtle legitimizing myths that justify social inequalities. A short version of the scale is provided in the supplementary materials.