Intergroup Behaviour: Prejudice, Stereotypes and Intergroup Hostility

Intergroup behaviour refers to the ways in which people in different social groups interact and relate to each other. It can be influenced by a variety of factors, including prejudice, stereotypes, and intergroup hostility.

Prejudice:

Prejudice refers to negative attitudes or beliefs about members of a particular group, often based on stereotypes or misinformation (Fiske, 1998). Prejudice can lead to discrimination or the unequal treatment of individuals based on their group membership.

Stereotypes:

Stereotypes are oversimplified and often inaccurate beliefs about the characteristics or behaviours of people in a particular group (Bordalo et al., 2016).

• They can be based on a variety of factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
• Stereotypes can lead to prejudice and discrimination by providing a basis for negative attitudes and behaviours toward members of the stereotyped group.

Intergroup hostility:

Intergroup hostility is the negative feelings or behaviours towards members of another group (Schaafsma and Williams, 2012).

• It can take many forms, such as aggression, hostility, or discrimination.
• It can be fueled by prejudice, stereotypes, and a desire to dominate or exclude the other group.

Social identity and group membership:

Social identity is part of an individual’s identity that is derived from their membership in a particular social group or category (Jenkins, 2014). Social identity is an important concept in social psychology, as it helps to explain how people perceive and relate to themselves and others.

• It is often influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or age.
• It is often shaped by a variety of factors, including personal experiences, social norms, and cultural values.

Group Membership:

Group membership refers to an individual’s membership in a particular social group or category (Charness et al., 2007). It provides a sense of belonging, support, and identity, but it can also lead to intergroup conflicts and prejudices.

Group membership can also have a significant impact on an individual’s social identity (Sutter, 2009). When an individual identifies with a particular social group or category, they may adopt the values, beliefs, and behaviours associated with that group.

• Group membership can be voluntary or involuntary, depending on the nature of the group and the individual’s relationship with it
• It can be multifaceted, with an individual belonging to multiple groups based on different characteristics.
• Group membership can be based on a variety of characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or occupation
• It can also influence an individual’s access to resources, opportunities, and privileges
• Group membership can be a source of pride and self-esteem, but can also lead to pressure to conform to group norms and expectations.

An individual’s group membership may influence how they are perceived and treated by others, as well as their access to resources, opportunities, and privileges.

References:

(1) Bordalo, P., Coffman, K., Gennaioli, N. & Shleifer, A. J. T. Q. J. O. E. 2016. Stereotypes. 131, 1753-1794.

(2) Charness, G., RigottiI, L. & Rustichini, A. J. A. E. R. 2007. Individual behaviour and group membership. 97, 1340-1352.

(3) Fiske, S. T. 1998. Stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination.

(4) Jenkins, R. 2014. Social identity, Routledge.

(5) Schaafsma, J. & Williams, K. D. J. J. O. E. S. P. 2012. Exclusion, intergroup hostility, and religious fundamentalism. 48, 829-837.

(6) Sutter, M. J. A. E. R. 2009. Individual behaviour and group membership: Comment. 99, 2247-57.