On the flexibility of the automatic us-them divide

Abstract

We examine the us-them divide from a motivational perspective, and suggest that the psychological processes underlying the us-them divide can be conceptualized as occurring in two steps. The first step involves a basic social cognitive distinction between different groups, and does not contain bias, whereas the second step involves motivated, anxiety-reduction strategies that elevate the self (or ingroup) and devalue the other (or outgroup). We propose that potential variability in the second step psychological processes allows for flexibility in us-them divide, and allows humans to function with relatively less us-them divide. Three theoretical perspectives are reviewed that can account for attenuated other-derogation in the us-them divide including self-determination theory, Crocker's interpersonal goal approach, and a Buddhist perspective of self.