The review introduces key topics within psychology of intergroup relations. It focuses on the differences between (inter)group and (inter) individual behaviour as well as on conditions for their activation in various social contexts. It defines the process of social categorization that differentiates people into ingroups and outgroups. Moreover, the review deals with relation to the ingroup and intergroup bias both resulting from activation of intergroup perception. The relation towards outgroups is represented by the concept of intergroup attitudes. The triarchic theory of attitudes distinguishes among a cognitive, affective and behavioral part of attitudes. In the intergroup context, cognitive part corresponds to stereotypes, affective part to prejudices and behavioral part to discrimination towards outgroup members. Lastly, the review addresses prejudice and stereotypes from social- psychological perspective.
The aim of the paper is to discuss main theories explaining the psychological basis of social and political conflicts, especially causes of intergroup bias and prejudice. Theories of authoritarianism and social dominance orientation are discussed referring dispositional causes of intergroup bias and prejudice, while realistic conflict group theory, social identity theory and system-justification theory are called for explaining situational determinants of intergroup bias and prejudice. Evolutionary aspects of hostility and aggression in social and political conflicts are also debated.
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