Psychological and actual group formation: Conflict is neither necessary nor sufficient

Authors: Julia Elad-Strenger, Thomas Kessler

Published: 2022-07-07

DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x21001321

Source: Full article

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Abstract

AbstractConflict is neither necessary nor sufficient for the existence of groups. First, the existence of mutually supporting, rather than antagonistic, interactants is sufficient to constitute a “social group.” Second, conflict does not necessarily mark group boundaries but can also exist within an ingroup. Third, psychological representations of social groups do not only trace, but also perpetuate the existence of groups.