<p>This study focused on the influence of perceived threat from low-status ethnic groups in Ecuador (Indigenous people and Afro-Ecuadorians) in regard to social dominance orientation (SDO) and altruism. Perceived threat was manipulated by exposing participants to both ethnic groups as <em>advantaged</em> or <em>disadvantaged</em>. The mediated variables were elicited emotions. Other factors such as frequency and valence of contact with different ethnic groups and locus of control were also measured. The sample of our experimental study was composed of 69 undergraduate students. The results showed that disadvantaged condition elicited greater anger, compassion, empathy, and sadness in comparison to the advantaged condition. Regression analyses indicated that SDO and altruism were predicted by sadness, together with other factors. Our results highlight the role of emotions, especially sadness, which was found to be an important predictor for egalitarian and non-dominance beliefs and prosocial behaviors.&nbsp;</p>