In-group Homogeneity Research Articles

How collective punishment harm intergroup relations through ingroup homogeneity, perceived fairness, and counter‐collective action: A registered report

How collective punishment harm intergroup relations through ingroup homogeneity, perceived fairness, and counter‐collective action: A registered report

Does identity as a drinker predict problem recognition motivation in harmful drinkers?

Harmful drinking is associated with significant negative health and social outcomes, but drinkers are reticent to recognise personal drinking problems, hindering natural recovery or help-seeking. Recent evidence suggests that social identity as a drinker is associated with various drinking-related factors but has not been examined in relation to likelihood of problem recognition. In a group of ninety-six harmful drinkers (61 females, M age = 34 years) we explored how identity components associated with ingroup self-investment and ingroup self-definition in combination with implicit identity as a drinker accounted for degrees of problem recognition. In addition to demographic information, addiction experience and drinking behaviour (AUDIT), respondents completed measures of ingroup self-investment (identity centrality, solidarity, and satisfaction), ingroup self-definition (ingroup homogeneity and self-stereotyping), a “self as drinker” identity implicit association test and problem recognition (four items from the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale). After controlling for possible covariates (age, gender and alcohol addiction experience) increased problem recognition was accounted for by explicit and not implicit identity components. More specifically, increasing perceived chronic saliency of one's drinker identity (self-investment in the drinker ingroup) and not an implicit association between the self and being a drinker was related to increased likelihood of problem recognition. This suggests that how chronically and explicitly accessible the identity of the drinker is for individuals might operate to stimulate the willingness or motivation to recognise potential drinking related harm.

Group membership, social identification and mental health: A test of social cure or curse narrative in resource-poor communities in Ghana

Mainstream psychology research promotes social group membership as a remedy for poor mental health. However, empirical evidence from African communities is limited. Using a survey of 384 respondents (female = 55.7%; mean age = 34.38 years, SD = 14.37 years), we examined this in two resource-poor Ghanaian urban communities. Depressive symptoms ranged from 11.5% to 28.1%, with severe symptom rates higher in male participants. Anxiety symptoms varied from 6.5% to 14.6%. Hierarchical regression showed that after accounting for demographic variables, multiple group membership, group stigma, and identity centrality were associated with heightened depressive and anxiety symptoms. Ingroup homogeneity, satisfaction with the group, and perceived solidarity were associated with lower levels of symptoms. The findings reveal a dual-edge impact of social identification on mental health, underscoring the need for the development of context-specific interventions to effectively harness social group membership as psychosocial resources to improve mental health within African contexts.

A test of the rejection identification model among gay men in Turkey

ABSTRACT Despite the improvements in the rights of LGBTIQ+ groups, gay men continue to confront prejudice and discrimination in various areas of life, whose effects harm their well-being. Turkey is one of the countries where prejudice and discrimination are high and pervasive. This study tests the possible mediating role of ingroup identification (i.e. satisfaction, solidarity, salience, importance, individual self-stereotyping, ingroup homogeneity), as proposed by the rejection-identification model (RIM), in the negative relationship between perceived discrimination and well-being in a sample of 496 Turkish gay men. Results indicated that identity salience mediated the links from perceived personal discrimination to negative affect and psychological well-being, but the mediating effects were contrary to predictions of the RIM. As for the direct effects, perceived personal discrimination predicted all four outcomes of well-being (i.e. psychological well-being, positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction), whereas perceived group discrimination only predicted negative affect. The results mark the context-dependent nature of the model and are discussed considering the literature regarding the RIM and minority stress theory.

Components of identity expression in problem and non-problem gamblers

Few studies have examined whether specific aspects of group identification predict problematic and non-problematic addictive behaviours and none have focused on gambling. Applying Leach et al.’s (2008) hierarchical model of in-group identification, we tested the associations between components of self-investment (satisfaction, solidarity, and centrality) and components of self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) on distinguishing between problem and non-problem gambling (n = 10,157) and on the severity of problematic gambling behaviour (n = 2,568). Results showed that (i) in-group-based identities are important in predicting problematic vs. non-problematic gambling behaviours; (ii) in-group-based identities are important in predicting the severity of problematic gambling; (iii) how self-invested an individual is with their in-group and aspects associated with self-definition processes are both important predictors; (iv) perceptions related to how chronically salient one’s group membership is for the self (centrality) are essential features of the self-investment mechanism; and (v) self-stereotypical beliefs about one’s essential similarities to the prototypical gambling group member norm are fundamental for the defining oneself as a gambler.

Populism in mediated anti-tourism discourse: a critical analysis of the documentary tourist go home!

ABSTRACT From a critical discursive perspective, this paper analyses the documentary Tourist go home! which produces a populist anti-tourism discourse, in which tourism is framed in terms of cultural and economic anxiety. Cultural anxiety is based on the construction of danger for people and places threatened by the arrival of many mobile Others and echoes anti-immigration discourse, typical of Right-wing populism; similarities can be seen also in terms of discursive strategies such as instilling fear, praising the past, opposing we-locals vs them, personalizing the Other and devices such as metaphors of danger, quantification, and exclusive deixis. Economic anxiety is based on the construction of winners and losers and resonates with a Left-wing populist discourse reclaiming wealth redistribution and popular sovereignty; similarities concern discursive strategies such as opposing we/loser/People vs them/winners/Elite; praising the People and despising the Elite; depersonalizing the Other; and devices such as metaphors, qualification, and inclusive deixis. The analysis also revealed the ideological dilemmas of this anti-tourism discourse, including the conflicting relationship with cosmopolitanism, asymmetry in the right to the city, an economic conception of tourists as resources, the horizontal (elsewhere) and vertical (above) displacement of the outgroup (Elite) to preserve the ingroup (People) homogeneity and inclusiveness.

Differential identity components predict dimensions of problematic facebook use

Whilst limited previous work has detailed the influence of personal and social identities on the development and maintenance of a number of addictive behaviours, fewer still have determined whether specific aspects of group identification are more or less predictive of ongoing (problematic) behaviour. Using Leach et al. (2008) hierarchical model of in-group identification, we examined the relationship between components of self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) and components of self-investment (satisfaction, solidarity, and centrality) on problematic Facebook use (adapted from Caplan’s (2010) Generalised Problematic Internet Use Scale 2) in 73 current Facebook users. Results showed that (i) in-group-based identities are important in predicting levels of Facebook use; (ii) aspects of group membership identity associated with how invested an individual is with the in-group (centrality and solidarity) are particularly important whereas those aspects which reflect self-definition (self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) are not; (iii) perceptions associated with a sense of belonging and attachment to other group members (solidarity) and, most importantly, how chronically salient one’s group membership is for the self (centrality) are fundamental aspects of this self-investment mechanism; and (iv) aspects of problematic Facebook use associated specially with cognitive preoccupation and behavioural compulsivity are not influenced by identity-based factors.

The two-dimensions-five-components structure of in-group identification is invariant across various identification patterns in different social groups

ABSTRACTIn-group identification has been suggested to consist of two-dimensions (group based self-definition and self-investment) that hierarchically relate to five lower order components (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity, satisfaction, solidarity, and centrality). The goal of the present research was to test the generalizability of the two-dimensions-five-components structure of in-group identification across identities with which people show converging and diverging group based self-definition and self-investment. We manipulated the mean level and the linear correlational strength of the two identification dimensions by asking participants to indicate in-groups to which respective identification criteria apply. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the two-dimensions-five-components model of in-group identification fits both converging and diverging identification patterns better than alternative models, indicating generalizability of the model across various identification patterns.

Optimal regionalization of extreme value distributions for flood estimation

Regionalization methods have long been used to estimate high return levels of river discharges at ungauged locations on a river network. In these methods, discharge measurements from a homogeneous group of similar, gauged, stations are used to estimate high quantiles at a target location that has no observations. The similarity of this group to the ungauged location is measured in terms of a hydrological distance measuring differences in physical and meteorological catchment attributes. We develop a statistical method for estimation of high return levels based on regionalizing the parameters of a generalized extreme value distribution. The group of stations is chosen by optimizing over the attribute weights of the hydrological distance, ensuring similarity and in-group homogeneity. Our method is applied to discharge data from the Rhine basin in Switzerland, and its performance at ungauged locations is compared to that of other regionalization methods. For gauged locations we show how our approach improves the estimation uncertainty for long return periods by combining local measurements with those from the chosen group.

The relationship between junior and senior nurses. Analysis of a case of intergenerational discrimination using the RepMut tool

This research aims to show that the implementation of intergenerational salience at a social level can affect the work context, particularly in hospitals. Participants were 50 voluntary nurses (25 juniors, 25 seniors) working in French hospitals. RepMut Methodology, based on the theories of social categorization and self-categorization, highlights the mutual representations of group relations and allows measurement of the biases of perception and evaluation. The results support the idea that junior/senior self-categorization plays an important role in structuring work relations. Both groups express in-group homogeneity, but also contrast and values consistent with their social group membership. We discuss the benefit of differentiating the levels of analysis in order to acquire an understanding of diversity and its associated effects.

Adaptation and Validation of a German Multidimensional and Multicomponent Measure of Social Identification

Abstract. The present article describes a reliable and valid German multidimensional multicomponent measure of social identification. A translation of the original Dutch measure of social identification ( Leach et al., 2008 ) was adapted to the German context and validated in three different samples across three distinct identities using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results of Study 1 (organizational identity, N = 419), Study 2 (national identity, N = 274), and Study 3 (gender identity, N = 833) confirm the psychometric qualities of the German measure and replicate the theoretical multidimensional multicomponent model of social identification including the self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) and self-investment (solidarity, satisfaction, and centrality) dimensions. In addition, Studies 2 and 3 provide evidence for the construct validity of the German subscales of the social identification components.

The Collective Value of “Me” (and its Limitations): Towards a More Nuanced Understanding of Individual and Collective Coping with Prejudice

Within the social identity tradition, individual and collective responses to social disadvantage are typically seen as mutually exclusive. This study (N = 120) provides a more nuanced understanding of individual and collective responses to social disadvantage by examining the ways in which women anticipate responding to “daily sexism.” We test how responses are independently related to ingroup identification, disidentification, and perceived ingroup homogeneity. Results show that women favor confronting sexism over inaction, even if that involves disparaging the ingroup. Specifically, women expect to engage in both individual and collective strategies in response to a sexist statement. Identification with women was positively associated with both collective and individual (nongroup disparaging) responses, but only collective responses related to broader intentions to engage in collective action for social change. Finally, perceived group homogeneity uniquely increased agreement with the sexist statement, endorsement of inaction, and group‐disparaging responses. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

A hierarchical (multicomponent) model of in-group identification: examining in Russian samples.

The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of Leach et al.'s (2008) model of in-group identification in two studies using Russian samples (overall N = 621). In Study 1, a series of multi-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the hierarchical model of in-group identification, which included two second-order factors, self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, and in-group homogeneity) and self-investment (satisfaction, solidarity, and centrality), fitted the data well for all four group identities (ethnic, religious, university, and gender) (CFI > .93, TLI > .92, RMSEA < .06, SRMR < .06) and demonstrated a better fit, compared to the alternative models. In Study 2, the construct validity and reliability of the Russian version of the in-group identification measure was examined. Results show that these measures have adequate psychometric properties. In short, our results show that Leach et al.'s model is reproduced in Russian culture. The Russian version of this measure can be recommended for use in future in-group research in Russian-speaking samples.

(How) do participants in online discussion forums create ‘echo chambers’?

This paper examines the proposition advanced by Sunstein (2001) and other scholars that political online forums tend to be characterized by in-group homogeneity and group polarization. The paper adopts a process view of online forums and examines discussions within a time perspective. Five discussion lines on Climategate.nl (a skeptical Dutch online forum on climate change) are investigated. The research focuses on how participants react to the participation of dissidents and on the resulting processes of inclusion and exclusion. Climategate.nl moved in the direction of an ‘echo chamber’ gradually over time. Nevertheless, the forum was never completely homogeneous. The editors played an active role in the inclusion and exclusion of dissidents. A counter-steering moderation policy is needed to keep group polarization and homogenization within certain limits.

Reducing prejudice in organizations: The role of intergroup contact, out‐group homogeneity, and in‐group size

AbstractThis survey study investigated the direct and indirect relationships among intergroup contact, in‐group size, out‐group homogeneity, in‐group homogeneity, and prejudice. The participants were 299 White women from seven Catholic congregations in the United States. The survey results indicated that in‐group size was positively related to prejudice toward racial out‐group members. Intergroup contact also mediated the relationship between in‐group size and prejudice. Moreover, perceptions of out‐group homogeneity not only correlated positively with prejudice, but also mediated the relationship between quantity and quality of intergroup contact and prejudice. Finally, perceptions of in‐group homogeneity were positively associated with prejudice. These results not only demonstrate the value of the frequency and depth of intergroup contact on reducing prejudice, but also highlight the role of in‐group size in influencing opportunities for contact. Moreover, perceptions of heterogeneity/uniqueness of both in‐group and out‐group members appear to serve as mechanisms through which contact reduces prejudice.

Perceptions of Gender Group Variability in Majority and Minority Contexts

Two field studies demonstrated that majority and minority size moderate perceived group variability. In Study 1 we found an outgroup homogeneity (OH) effect for female nurses in the majority, but an ingroup homogeneity (IH) effect for a token minority of male nurses. In Study 2 we found similar effects in a different setting – an OH effect for policemen in the majority and an IH effect for policewomen in the minority. Although measures of visibility, status, and, especially, familiarity tended to show the same pattern as perceived variability, there was no evidence that they mediated perceived dispersion. Results are discussed in terms of group size, rather than gender, being moderators of perceived variability, and with reference to Kanter’s (1977a , 1977b ) theory of group proportions.

When under threat, we all look the same: Distinctiveness threat induces ingroup homogeneity in face memory

The current research investigated the well-established outgroup homogeneity effect in face memory (worse recognition for outgroup faces than ingroup faces). Because past research has shown that group distinctiveness threat can enhance ingroup homogeneity, of interest in the current research was whether distinctiveness threat affects face recognition. Across two studies, we found that threatening White American participants’ ethnic distinctiveness led to a reduction in same-race face recognition. In other words, distinctiveness threat created ingroup homogeneity in face memory. In both studies, distinctiveness threat led Whites’ same-race recognition to drop to cross-race levels. Implications were discussed in terms of how the structure of intergroup relations may drive intergroup differences in face memory.

Leisure mobility styles in Swiss conurbations: construction and empirical analysis

Leisure travel is the most difficult travel purpose to analyse due to the lack of fixed spatial and temporal referents and the consequent flexibility in patterns. This paper addresses lifestyles, social influence, and the travellers’ social networks, issues that have proved valuable for travel behaviour research in confronting the complexity of leisure travel. An approach for constructing leisure mobility styles, based on orientations towards leisure and mobility, will be presented first and then the hypotheses that transport behaviour can be better explained through analysis of leisure mobility styles will be tested. Multivariate analysis reveals that the leisure mobility style group makes a significant contribution towards clarifying variance for the activities ‘Visiting friends and relatives’, ‘Travel participation’, ‘Mode choice’, and ‘Travel distance for leisure’. The use of leisure mobility styles is most useful for developing practical intervention pointers where the in-group homogeneity of lifestyle should be addressed in greater detail.

Majority, Minority, and Parity: Effects of Gender and Group Size on Perceived Group Variability

We investigated the effects of gender and group size on perceptions of group variability, using groups of students taking different majors that varied in the proportion of men and women (female-majority, parity, and male-majority). We found that both group size and gender had consistent effects on perceived out-group variability, even when potentially confounded alternative explanations were assessed. Men showed a stronger out-group homogeneity effect than women, except when women were in the majority (Studies One and Two), and women showed no in-group homogeneity effect. There was an association between out-group homogeneity and the tendency to generate more subgroups for the in-group than out-group (Study Two), but perceived variability was not associated with familiarity, distinctiveness, perceived group size, or perceived group status. These consistent effects qualify the conclusions of prior research in important ways, and cannot be explained in terms of differences in stereotype accuracy (Study Three), or a confound between the gender majority of a major and its perceived status (Study Four). We discuss our findings in terms of theoretical explanations for gender and size effects on out-group homogeneity, and methodological considerations.

Group-level self-definition and self-investment: A hierarchical (multicomponent) model of in-group identification.

Recent research shows individuals' identification with in-groups to be psychologically important and socially consequential. However, there is little agreement about how identification should be conceptualized or measured. On the basis of previous work, the authors identified 5 specific components of in-group identification and offered a hierarchical 2-dimensional model within which these components are organized. Studies 1 and 2 used confirmatory factor analysis to validate the proposed model of self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) and self-investment (solidarity, satisfaction, and centrality) dimensions, across 3 different group identities. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrated the construct validity of the 5 components by examining their (concurrent) correlations with established measures of in-group identification. Studies 5-7 demonstrated the predictive and discriminant validity of the 5 components by examining their (prospective) prediction of individuals' orientation to, and emotions about, real intergroup relations. Together, these studies illustrate the conceptual and empirical value of a hierarchical multicomponent model of in-group identification.