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Intergroup aggression: its predictors and distinctness from in-group bias.
1Department of Psychology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Intergroup conflict, not in-group bias, strongly predicts aggression toward an out-group. Dehumanization and empathy mediate this relationship, especially for those with high in-group identification.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
- Conflict Studies
Background:
- Understanding predictors of intergroup aggression is crucial for mitigating conflict.
- Previous research has explored the link between in-group bias and aggression, with mixed findings.
- The role of perceived intergroup conflict of interests as a direct motivator for aggression requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate predictors of intergroup aggression and its relationship with in-group bias.
- To examine the mediating roles of dehumanization and empathy in the conflict-aggression link.
- To explore how individual differences, such as in-group identification and religious group affiliation, influence these dynamics.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire study involving 156 Israeli adults.
- Assessed perceptions of own religious group and an ultraorthodox Jewish out-group.
- Measured aggression toward the out-group, in-group bias, perceived intergroup conflict, dehumanization (value dissimilarity, trait inhumanity), empathy (boundary permeability), and in-group identification.
Main Results:
- In-group favoritism in trait evaluations was observed but was unrelated to aggression.
- Perceived intergroup conflict of interests strongly predicted aggression.
- Dehumanization (value dissimilarity, trait inhumanity) and empathy (boundary permeability) partially mediated the effect of conflict on aggression.
- These mediating variables were stronger predictors of aggression among individuals with high in-group identification.
- Religious group affiliation's effect on aggression was also mediated by these variables.
Conclusions:
- Perceived intergroup conflict of interests is a significant predictor of intergroup aggression, independent of in-group bias.
- Dehumanization and empathy play crucial mediating roles in translating perceived conflict into aggression.
- High in-group identification amplifies the impact of conflict and mediating factors on aggression, highlighting the importance of social identity in intergroup hostility.