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🎠social psychology review

Out-group discrimination

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Out-group discrimination refers to the negative attitudes and behaviors directed towards individuals who are perceived as belonging to a different social group than oneself. This phenomenon often stems from in-group favoritism, where individuals show preference for their own group, leading to prejudiced views and unfair treatment of those outside their group. Understanding out-group discrimination is essential in social psychology as it connects to broader themes of social identity, group dynamics, and the psychological mechanisms that perpetuate bias.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Out-group discrimination can manifest in various forms, including verbal insults, social exclusion, and even physical violence against out-group members.
  2. This form of discrimination is often fueled by stereotypes, which are oversimplified beliefs about the characteristics of members of specific groups.
  3. Research shows that out-group discrimination can occur even among minimal groups, where individuals have no prior connections or conflicts with others.
  4. Reducing out-group discrimination often requires interventions that promote empathy and intergroup contact, allowing individuals to see commonalities between groups.
  5. Out-group discrimination can have severe social consequences, contributing to societal divisions, conflict, and the perpetuation of systemic inequality.

Review Questions

  • How does out-group discrimination relate to the concepts of in-group bias and social identity theory?
    • Out-group discrimination is closely linked to in-group bias, where individuals prefer members of their own group while viewing those outside negatively. Social identity theory helps explain this behavior by suggesting that people's self-concept is shaped by their group memberships. Thus, when individuals identify strongly with their group, they may feel compelled to defend it against perceived threats from out-groups, leading to discriminatory behaviors.
  • What are some effective strategies for reducing out-group discrimination in diverse communities?
    • Effective strategies for reducing out-group discrimination include promoting intergroup contact through cooperative activities that emphasize common goals and shared experiences. Education programs aimed at breaking down stereotypes and encouraging empathy can also play a crucial role. Additionally, fostering environments where diversity is valued and celebrated helps build inclusive communities that challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors.
  • Evaluate the impact of out-group discrimination on societal structures and relationships within multicultural societies.
    • Out-group discrimination can have profound effects on societal structures and relationships within multicultural societies. It contributes to systemic inequalities by marginalizing certain groups, which can lead to social unrest and conflict. The resulting division creates barriers to cooperation and understanding between groups, making it difficult to build cohesive communities. This ongoing cycle of discrimination not only affects interpersonal relationships but also influences policies and institutional practices that perpetuate inequality.