DRURY_European_Review_of_Social_Psychology_FEB_2020_author_copy.pdf (900.55 kB)
It’s not just ‘us’ versus ‘them’: moving beyond binary perspectives on intergroup processes
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 20:34 authored by John Dixon, Guy Elcheroth, Philippa Kerr, John DruryJohn Drury, Mai Albzour, Emina Subašic, Kevin Durrheim, Eva G T GreenThe social psychology of intergroup relations has emerged largely from studies of how one group of people (e.g., whites) think and feel about another (e.g., blacks). By reducing the social world to binary categories, this approach has provided an effective and efficient methodological framework. However, it has also obscured important features of social relations in historically divided societies. This paper highlights the importance of investigating intergroup relationships involving more than two groups and of exploring not only their psychological but also their political significance. Exemplifying this argument, we discuss the conditions under which members of disadvantaged groups either dissolve into internecine competition or unite to challenge the status quo, highlighting the role of complex forms of social comparison, identification, contact, and third-party support for collective action. Binary conceptualizations of intergroup relations, we conclude, are the product of specific sociohistorical practices rather than a natural starting point for psychological research.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
European Review of Social PsychologyISSN
1046-3283Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
31Page range
40-75Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-02-11First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-03-22First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-02-10Usage metrics
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