The Importance of Being We: Human Nature and Intergroup Relations

The author discusses the nature of in-group bias and the social motives that underlie ethnocentric attachment to one's own membership groups. Two common assumptions about in-group bias are challenged: that in-group positivity necessitates out-group derogation and that ingroup bias is motivated...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American psychologist Vol. 62; no. 8; pp. 728 - 738
Main Author Brewer, Marilynn B
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published American Psychological Association 01.11.2007
Subjects
Attitudes
Ethnocentrism
Group Dynamics
Human Relations
Intergroup Relations
Motivation
Rejection (Psychology)
Social Attitudes
Social Influences
Social Theories
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The author discusses the nature of in-group bias and the social motives that underlie ethnocentric attachment to one's own membership groups. Two common assumptions about in-group bias are challenged: that in-group positivity necessitates out-group derogation and that ingroup bias is motivated by self-enhancement. A review of relevant theory and research on intergroup relations provides evidence for three alternative principles: (a) in-group attachment and positivity are primary and independent of out-groups, (b) security motives (belonging and distinctiveness) underlie universal in-group favoritism, and (c) attitudes toward out-groups vary as a function of intergroup relationships and associated threats to belonging and distinctiveness.
ISSN:0003-066X
DOI:10.1037/0003-066X.62.8.728