Contrasting “we” -to-“they” in intergroup interaction: interpretation, threats, opportunities to predict social behavior

Main Article Content

Olha Kukharuk

Abstract

The relevance of the article stems from the importance of analysing intergroup interaction looking down from both social psychology angle in general and social identity theory in particular. Modern studies concerning intergroup interaction and contracting the in- and out-groups conducted within the framework of social identity theory have been analysed. This theory is one of the main ones in the world targeted on studying and predicting intergroup interaction; however, in the Ukrainian academia opinion the aspects of social identity theory are under-represented. This scientific research aims to analyse modern proceedings in social identity theory regarding intergroup social identity and intergroup interaction.


The research methodology is actually an analysis of articles and works carried out within the theory of social identity and in order to studying intergroup interaction.


The results of the source base analysis showed that intergroup interaction occurs depending on what precepts of the group members were identified towards their own and the out-group, and the definition of their status. The more status-oriented groups use strategies to maintain their own status. Lesser status groups use strategies to change their status, namely, strategies of social mobility, social creativity, and social confrontation. The unifying strategies of intergroup interaction are represented by the formation of a single super-identity, social cross-categorization and multicultural framing of intergroup relations. These theoretical approaches can be basic for the development of methodological approaches to predicting intergroup interaction and reducing intergroup tensions.


Prospects for further research are foreseen in a deeper analysis of research findings carried out within the social identity theory, highlighting the main regularities being common to these studies, and integrating the obtained knowledge into the Ukrainian socio-psychological science in order to work out methodological approaches to predicting intergroup interaction.

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How to Cite
Kukharuk, O. (2021). Contrasting “we” -to-“they” in intergroup interaction: interpretation, threats, opportunities to predict social behavior. Problems of Political Psychology, 24(1), 174-184. https://doi.org/10.33120/popp-Vol24-Year2021-72
Section
Articles
Author Biography

Olha Kukharuk, Institute for Social and Political Psychology, NAES of Ukraine

Cand. Sc. (Psychology), Research Associate

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