The Crabs in a Barrel Syndrome: Structural Influence on Competitive Behavior

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of the Crab in the Barrel Syndrome (CBS)—a metaphor used to describe the mentality and behaviors of individuals belonging to or identifying with a particular community or culture, who ‘hold each other back’ from various opportunities for advancement and achievement despite incentives and expectations for collaboration (in-group solidarity). Integrating social identity theory and social comparison theory, I define and identify the competitive motivation for individuals to defy group norms and the structural influences that entice them to do so. Future research directions are provided and a new qualitative research method—netnography—is suggested.