The role of autonomy in Intergroup processes: Toward an integration of self-determination theory and Intergroup approaches

Abstract

As the various chapters of this volume attest, motivation is vital in driving and shaping interpersonal relationships. Although self-determination research has given careful consideration to the interpersonal aspects of motivation, it is only in the past 5 years or so that a self-determination theory perspective of intergroup processes has begun to take form. In this chapter, we focus on the ways that self-determination can influence group-level phenomena. We divide our inquiry into two parts. The first is concerned with outgroup-directed motivation, and explores the role of self-determination in shaping perceptions and attitudes toward other social groups. It also includes discussion of the underlying mechanisms that help to explain the link between motivation and outgroup attitudes, such as prejudice, as well as the effects of autonomy support and social control on intergroup tension. In the second part of the chapter, we focus on ingroup-directed motivation, including the role of motivation, integration, and need satisfaction in the development of group identity.