Shared Identity Fuels Bias, Divides Societies Worldwide
The researchers wanted to understand why people often favor those from their own groups over those from other groups. They studied natural groups in Ethiopia with different group relationships and levels of group identity. They found that people showed more concern for their own group members than for those from other groups. The strength of group identity made this preference stronger, but being in conflict with other groups did not affect it. This means that when people feel a strong bond with their group, they care more about their group members than people from other groups.