The expectation that you will place yourself in a 'one down' position

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"Deference - or the capacity to place oneself in a 'one down' position vis-à-vis others - is a characteristic demanded of all those in disadvantaged structural positions, including women, racial-ethnic minorities, and others in subordinate structural statuses. When deference is made a job requirement, members of structurally disadvantaged groups are likely to be overrepresented in such jobs or even be seen as better suited for the work than members of more advantaged groups."

Amy S. Wharton (2009), "The Sociology of Emotional Labor", The Annual Review of Sociology, 36: 147-165.

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