The role of common ingroup identity in promoting social change among tribes in Nigeria

Abstract

The present research aims to probe the associations of one-group perceptions with collective action intentions among majority group members, by relying on a non-WEIRD sample, that is, from a tribal context in Nigeria. Considering their role in contact and collective action literatures, moral convictions, outgroup attitudes, and feelings were tested as parallel mediators. Participants were Yoruba adults ( N = 200; one of the most prominent tribes in Nigeria). Deviating from a binary logic, we considered two outgroups varying in social status. Specifically, outgroups were represented by other two Nigerian tribes, including both a minority (Edos) and a majority group (Igbos). Results showed that identification with the common Nigerian identity was positively associated with collective action intentions toward both groups via greater moral convictions. Outgroup feelings worked as mediator only toward the minority group (Edo tribe). We discuss results in terms of the importance that a relevant one-group identity can have in determining morality attributions and ultimately engagement in collective action to promote a more equal society.