Inventaire


Site en français

Unraveling polarization and mobilization processes underlying intergroup tolerance and prejudice

Units : Center for Social and Cultural Psychology | ULB103



Description :


Conflicts between ethnic-cultural groups regularly flare up (cf. the recent BLM-protests). Nonetheless, the scholarly focus on
reducing prejudice often includes either individual difference (e.g., social-ideological beliefs) or contextual factors (e.g.,
diversity and group norms). This project brings together psychological and sociological research traditions in a unified
person-within-context perspective. In Line 1, I propose that greater diversity leads to attitude polarization between individuals (making the
cleavage between the political left and right even larger), but simultaneously consolidates these attitudes within individuals
(solidifying the individual’s specific opinion). In Line 2, I predict that the social groups closest to us (e.g., family, peers)
provide us norms and a shared reality. Such climates mobilize us towards either prejudice or tolerance. To address these issues and
unravel how harmonious intergroup dynamics can develop, I employ a series of multinational, multilevel and longitudinal studies.

List of persons in charge :


  • VAN ASSCHE Jasper


List of lessors :


  • Actions concertées