Intergroup Similarity and Subgroup Relations

Some Implications for Assimilation

Bibliographic Data

ID5777965
AuthorsMatthew J Hornsey (0000-0003-1275-3977, The University of Queensland), Michael A Hogg (0000-0002-3781-7220, The University of Queensland)
Year2000
Volume26
Issue8
Pages948-958
Publication date2000-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0146-1672 • E-ISSN: 1552-7433
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/01461672002610005
OpenAlexW2124195209
LanguageEN
Citations received54
References cited43

Two studies examined the effects of perceptions of similarity on relations between subgroups (humanities and math-science students) that share an active superordinate category (University of Queensland student). Participants (N = 82) performed a non-interactive task during which perceptions of intersubgroup similarity (high or low) and level of categorization (at the superordinate level or at the superordinate and subgroup levels simultaneously) were manipulated ina2X2 between-groups design. Consistent with social identity theory, participants who had been categorized exclusively at the superordinate level discriminated more against a similar subgroup than a dissimilar one. However, when the subgroup and superordinate categories were activated simultaneously, a trend emerged that was consistent with the similarity-attraction hypothesis. A similar interaction emerged in Study 2 (N = 265), in which perceptions of similarity were measured rather than manipulated. The results were interpreted in terms of the motivation to retain ingroup distinctiveness

Ingroups and outgroups · Optimal distinctiveness theory · Similarity (geometry · Superordinate goals · Cultural Differences and Values · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Social and Intergroup Psychology

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