Harnessing the Power of Group Norms to Improve Children's Intergroup Relationships

• Published in: Peace and conflict 2022-08, Vol.28 (3), p.302-309
• Main Authors: Bareket-Shavit, Carmelle, Wang, Michelle M., Roberts, Steven O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Childhood Development; Childhood Play Behavior; Children; Conformity (Personality); Ethnic Diversity; Female; Group identity; Group norms; Human; Ingroup Outgroup; Intergroup Dynamics; Intergroup relations; Male; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Positive emotions; Reasoning; Sharing (Social Behavior)
• ISSN: 1078-1919; 1532-7949
• DOI: 10.1037/pac0000592

In diverse societies, peaceful intergroup relationships are necessary. Using a minimal groups paradigm, we randomly assigned 188 ethnically diverse U.S. 4- and 5-year-olds to groups with different norms about intergroup relationships. Some were given positive norms (e.g., their ingroup talks, shares, and plays with the outgroup), others were given negative norms (e.g., their ingroup does not talk, share, or play with the outgroup), and others were given no norms. Children then participated in a live and unexpected intergroup interaction. Broadly, the descriptive norms affected children's interactions with the outgroup member. For example, those given positive norms, compared to no norms, were more likely to communicate, share, and show positive affect with the outgroup member. Implications for intergroup conflict, particularly from a developmental perspective, are discussed. Public Significance Statement Children care about the groups they belong to and the norms that define them, which can often lead them to expect and engage in negative intergroup relationships. However, as the present research suggests, children's commitment to groups can be harnessed-or redirected-to promote more peaceful and positive intergroup relationships.