Is there any scapegoat around? Determinants of intergroup conflicts at different categorization levels.
Recategorization at a higher level reduces tensions between groups. However, recategorization may cause conflicts between the common in-group and a new out-group. Additionally, determinants of conflict between subgroups may enhance conflict at the higher categorization level. In the context of German unification, the authors explored these suggestions with an East German 3-wave longitudinal study and a West German control group. Results show that a salient East German versus West German categorization enhances conflict between subgroups, whereas categorization as German enhances conflict at the common in-group level. Determinants of subgroup conflict also influence conflict at the inclusive level (Germans and foreigners). Thus, recategorization is a 2-edged instrument: Although it reduces conflict at the subgroup level, it may initiate conflict at the common in-group level.
Kessler
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T
Lehrstuhl für Sozialpsychologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany. s7keth@uni-jena.de
Mummendey
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A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012933:Social Identification; D012938:Social Perception