Cognitive factors that fuel intergroup conflicts or facilitate intergroup reconciliation

Abstract: Intergroup conflicts are an extensive part of social life. Conflicts between political, national, and ethnic groups dominate the news headlines and social media, and they undermine local and global progress. Despite continuous efforts to promote conflict resolution, intergroup conflicts persist. This symposium presents cutting edge research that focuses on novel approaches to understanding cognitive underpinnings of intergroup conflict resolution. We bring together experts on intergroup relations to present four innovative programs of research spanning different countries (Germany, USA, Israel, and Ireland) and a broad range of conflict types. Becker, Butteweg, Scheck, Strick, and Klauer explore how the breadth of what people view as racism might fuel intergroup conflicts. Brienza and Kung explore a novel aspect of social categorization—stereotyping based on the way people reason about conflicts—that could exacerbate political intergroup conflict. Katzir, Hofman, Halali, and Dorfman show that applying wise-reasoning when reflecting on a conflict can counteract negative attitudes and enhance empathy towards outgroup members. Loughnane, Roth and van Tilburg show that when distinct social groups are perceived as compatible, multiple group identification is possible and intergroup bias is reduced. We conclude with a discussion of how these novel cognitive factors can impact intergroup relations. By highlighting different cognitive aspects that might hinder or promote intergroup reconciliation, we provide new avenues for theoretical research and practical interventions for conflict resolution in a complex and conflicted world.

Keywords: intergroup conflict, intergroup reconciliation, cognitive factors, prejudice