Social Dominance Orientation and Outgroup Intolerance: The Role of Transcendence in Outgroup Attitude

Abstract

The multi-group composition of diverse societies is associated with conflict and general outgroup intolerance. The intergroup literature has thus been committed to searching for variables that accentuate and alleviate negative outgroup attitudes. This study, therefore, examined the relationship between an orientation towards social inequality and outgroup intolerance among a sample of participants drawn from a culturally diverse society. An aspect of spirituality, transcendence, was also examined for its role in improving tolerance for outgroups. The study participants were from a university environment characterized by diversity in ethnic affiliations. The study outcomes show that a bias for social inequality leads to more intolerance of outgroups. Furthermore, transcendence was associated with increased tolerance for outgroups. The implications of systemic social inequalities of most societies for continued negative outgroup attitudes were emphasized. The role of transcendence in appealing to the humaneness of individuals and encouraging openness to diversity was discussed. Suggestions for future research are also discussed.