PSY 221 - Identity & Intergroup Dynamics

Identity-Protection

view identity in a positive light

Distinctiveness

distinguish their identity as unique and distinct from other identities or groups

Continuity

need to feel a sense of connection between one’s past, present, and future identities

Entrepreneurs of Identity

seek to define the meaning of identity, who belongs (and doesn’t) and what the group wants (and doesn’t want) to achieve

In-Group

a social group which an individual perceives themselves as belonging (“us”)

Out-Group

a social group to which an individual does not perceive themselves as belonging to (“them”)

Interdependent or Individualistic Cultures

more likely to place importance on distinguishing self vs. others (compared to in-group vs. out-group) and strive for independence

Interdependent/Collectivist Cultures

more likely to place importance on distinguishing in-group vs. out-groups (compared to self vs. others) and strive for interconnectedness to meet needs of the in-group

Group Identification & Behavior

low and high identified group members will differentially respond to group-based events, such that those with high identification will be more responsive to group-based events

In-Group Favoritism

the psychological tendency to have positive predispositions, favor, and preference one’s in-group over out-groups

In-Group vs. Out-Group

individuals report greater trust for in-groups vs. out-groups and greater anxiety, fear, and anger toward out-group compared to in-groups

Motivated Empathy (Zaki, 2014)

empathy is a motivated phenomenon in which observers are driven to either experience or avoid empathy

Realistic Conflict-Theory

competition between groups over scarce resources increases stereotyping, conflict, and aggression between groups

Superordinate Goals

goals that transcend interests of groups

Oppositional Goals

goals that pit interests of groups against one another

Zero-Sum Framing

if one party gains, the other party loses

Positive-Sum Framing

if one party gains, all parties are better off

Common In-Group Identity Model

to the extent that members of different groups conceive of themselves as wholly or partially a part of an inclusive group, relations will be improved

Ideological Conflict Hypothesis (Brandt et al., 2014)

both liberals and conservatives show an intolerance of those whose value and beliefs are inconsistent with their own

The Social Cure (Haslam et al., 2009)

• Identity is central to mental and physical health

• Identities can be used as a psychological resource

Misperceptions Around Division (Ahler, 2014)

• There is often a disconnect between the perceived and actual difference between groups

• Knowledge about the perception-actual difference decreases polatization