The Dark Side of Status

Abstract

Merton’s work on the Matthew Effect identified as a key downside of status attainment systems the negative consequences borne by individuals who matched their peers in talent but for a variety of reasons lacked social recognition. In this essay, I review and synthesize research on other negative effects associated with either status-seeking or status-preserving behaviors, as well as negative consequences that may follow from having attained status. I highlight the possibility of diversionary and unethical behaviors, as well as factors that drive performance declines in the wake of status attainment. I discuss possibilities for future research aimed at identifying features of status systems that are more or less likely to generate a significant “dark side” of status.