Intergroup Meta-Respect Perceptions in a Context of Conflict

Intergroup relations in contexts of conflict are often characterized by mutual disrespect. The present research introduces and examines the concept of intergroup meta-respect-the belief that one's ingroup is viewed by the outgroup as deserving of respect. Across two studies conducted among Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel, we investigated perceptions of outgroup deservedness of respect, meta-respect, and their implications for intergroup attitudes. Study 1 (N = 451) revealed systematic biases in meta-respect: both groups underestimated the extent to which the outgroup considered their ingroup deserving of respect as human beings. Arabs, however, demonstrated greater accuracy and positivity, perceiving Jews as more deserving of respect than Jews perceived Arabs. Study 2 (N = 326) experimentally tested interventions aimed at correcting these misperceptions by presenting participants with accurate survey data, either with or without explicit correction of misperceptions. Exposure to corrective information increased participants' feelings of respect, hope, and positive perceptions of the outgroup, and indirectly-through feelings of respect-enhanced willingness to respect and interact with the outgroup, although these effects were more limited among minority (Arab) participants. These findings highlight the critical role of meta-respect in shaping intergroup dynamics, and suggest that interventions targeting respect perceptions hold potential for improving intergroup relations, even amid ongoing intractable conflict.