Effect of Intergroup Differentiation on Participation With Religious Young People

Abstract

Social Categorization Theory (Tajfel, 1972) tries to explain processes in which social facts are perceived (such as behaviors, information, data, etc.) as structured into specific categories, allowing people to explain why such facts take place and to take a position toward them. Such categories let people structure the world in a deter- mined way. Some studies have been made about the effect of belonging to a religion in an intergroup behavior (Ng & Wilson, 1989; Rokeach, 1973; Wilder, 1984), but not in a Mexican environment, nor with religious groups. A survey was made with 4 religious groups (Baptists, Catholics, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Pente- costals), evaluating the religious degree, the perceived similarities with the outgroup, and the intention of intergroup participation. Results indicate a phenomenon of ingroup bias took place. They showed a significant relation between perceived similarities and the intention to participate with the outgroup. Although there were religious differences, groups such as the Baptists and the Pentecostals showed similarities; Catholics and Mormons also showed similarities. Finally, the research shows the importance of inter- group relations as long as they take place in a society. They are a key factor to psychosocial understanding of cultural phenomena.