Development and Validation of the Perceived Societal Marginalization Scale

Abstract. Current societal conflicts are characterized by identity struggles and discontent concerning globalization modernization. While the literature identifies several psychological determinants of this discontent, systematic measurement approaches based on well-defined constructs rare. Here, we present development validation Perceived Societal Marginalization (PSM) scale, which aims to assess individual differences in people’s subjective perceptions insignificance lack recognition their own social groups domains economy, culture, politics. We first provide a definition PSM conceptual analysis its components (a) top-down review relevant psychological, sociological, political science theories (b) bottom-up approach involving semi-structured group interviews with various German citizen associations followed qualitative content analysis. then results psychometric scale (factor structure, reliability) three large online surveys heterogeneous samples (total N = 2,566) explore sociodemographic, personality, attitudinal correlates. The discussion focuses applications that is, role explaining cleavages as well threat towards rejection cultural, ethnic, religious minorities.