The effects of discrimination have been well-documented. But a new study says that threats to social identity can lead to social deviance, and that individuals who feel discriminated against are more likely to lie, cheat, and steal under certain circumstances, especially in the workplace.

Causation or correlation?

Stanford University asked over 1,200 Americans to complete an anonymous online survey. The questions presented scenarios of injustice based on race, sexuality, and other factors. There were some noteworthy findings:

Female participants were asked to imagine what’d they do if demoted (or denied a promotion) because their employer thought them unfit for a leadership role. Those women said in this case they would be more likely to spread rumors, disengage from their coworkers, and even intentionally underperform at their job duties.

The study asked Black participants a similar question. If your supervisor made negative statements about African-Americans, what would you do? Many said they’d put less time in at work, and even talk badly about the company to others.

White participants were asked to consider a variety persecutions in the workplace. The majority said that they would be more likely to “lash out” if denied something on grounds of race, religion, or gender.

The study also found that individuals tended to construe social identity threats “...not as isolated incidents, but as symbolic of the continuing devaluation and disrespectful treatment of one’s group.”