Generalization of positive attitude as a function of subgroup and superordinate group identifications in intergroup contact

• Published in: European journal of social psychology 2003-03, Vol.33 (2), p.195-214
• Main Authors: González, Roberto, Brown, Rupert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitudes; Bias; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Generalization; Group Dynamics; Group identification; Group Identity; Intergroup bias; Intergroup contact; Interpersonal Communication; Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Social interactions. Communication. Group processes; Social psychology
• ISSN: 0046-2772; 1099-0992
• DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.140

The role of category salience in mediating the effects of intergroup contact was examined. One theoretical model proposes that some psychological salience of subgroup categories is necessary to facilitate the generalization of attitude change beyond the immediate contact situation. Another argues that a re‐categorization of the subgroups into a new superordinate category is more beneficial, whilst a third suggests that de‐categorizing the situation entirely is optimal. An alternative view, which combines the first two models, proposes a Dual Identity strategy (simultaneous high superordinate and high subgroup categorization) as an important mediator of the relationship between contact variables and intergroup attitudes. In the study, participants (N = 114) undertook a cooperative intergroup task under four conditions of category salience: ‘subgroup’, ‘superordinate’, ‘superordinate and subgroup’, and ‘no group salience’. Evaluative ratings and symbolic reward allocations both for the groups encountered (contact) and those outside the situation (generalization) provided measures of intergroup bias. Bias within the contact situation was mainly eliminated in all conditions. However, on the more generalized bias measures, only the ‘superordinate’ and ‘superordinate and subgroup’ (Dual Identity strategy) conditions maintained this low level; in the other two conditions intergroup bias resurfaced. A combination of the first two models is proposed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.