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Human like me: Evidence that I-sharing humanizes the otherwise dehumanized.
Elizabeth C Pinel1, Geneva C Yawger1, Anson E Long2
1University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
The British Journal of Social Psychology
|December 3, 2017
Summary
Sharing subjective experiences, known as I-sharing, can effectively counter the dehumanization of outgroup members. This research demonstrates how fostering I-sharing promotes humanization and improves intergroup relations.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- Dehumanization, the undermining of outgroup members' humanness, is a persistent social problem.
- Existing research has explored the nature and extent of dehumanization but lacks effective countermeasures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether I-sharing (sharing a subjective experience) can counteract dehumanization.
- To examine the impact of I-sharing on the humanization of outgroup members.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Participants interacted with confederates of different races, with or without I-sharing.
- Study 2: The effect of I-sharing on social class ingroup and outgroup members was assessed across two dimensions of dehumanization.
Main Results:
- Participants who engaged in I-sharing showed increased humanization of outgroup members compared to those who did not.
- I-sharing with social class outgroup members led to higher ratings of human nature.
Conclusions:
- I-sharing serves as a potent mechanism for promoting the humanization of outgroup members.
- These findings offer practical strategies for mitigating dehumanization and improving intergroup dynamics.
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