Political Psychology

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Political Psychology

• Social Identity Theory Intergroup Conflict and
  Conflict Reduction

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Last Week

• Identity formation, maintenance and change
• Social mobility, social creativity, and social
  change
• Social Identity in Northern Ireland

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This Week

• Social Identity Theorys contribution to
  intergroup conflict
• National and Ethnic identities and their role in
  perpetuating political conflicts
• Social Identity Theorys contribution to reducing
  intergroup conflict.

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Social Identity and Intergroup Conflict

• Brewer (2001)
• Conflict may develop when resources needed for
  survival are scarce and needed by both groups
• The connection between survival of the in-group
  and destruction of the out-group becomes direct
• This first step in connecting in-group identity
  and negative attitudes towards the out-group can
  provide the basis for social discrimination and
  intergroup competition for social status.

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Social Identity and Intergroup Conflict

• Perceived threats to either the in-group, or the
  sense of distinction can promote aggression
• The foundation of distrust can lead to
  differential treatment of the in-group and the
  out-group
• Once intergroup relations have developed into
  intergroup conflict, superordinate goals /
  identities constitute a threat rather than a
  solution

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Social Identity and Intergroup Conflict

• Threats to inclusion and differentiation are
  higher when identities are divided along a
  single dimension
• Common goals will only be successful if the two
  groups are loosely knit
• When groups are highly differentiated, attempts
  at co-operative interdependence highlight the
  lack of mutual mistrust and this dominates

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Power Politics

• Out-group distrust and moral superiority can lead
  to hostility and conflict
• When groups are political, manipulation by
  leaders by serve to mobilise collective action or
  maintain political power
• Politicization can promote in-group love and
  out-group hate

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SIT, Intergroup Conflict Conflict Resolution -
An Application (Rwanda)

• Background to the Rwandan violence
• Historically 3 groups in Rwanda (Tutsi, Hutu,
  Twa)
• Tutsi and Hutu share many similarities
• Speak same language
• Inhabit same areas
• Follow same traditions
• Belgian colonisation in 1916 highlighted many
  differences between the Tutsi and Hutu groups

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Background to Rwandan Genocide

• Tutsi community favoured by Belgians
• Resentment grew and culminated in riots in 1959
• Over 20,000 Tutsis killed and many fled to
  neighbouring countries
• 1962 Rwanda granted independence
• Economic situation worsened

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Background to Rwandan Genocide

• Tutsis in Uganda formed the Rwandan Patriotic
  Front (RPF) with the aim of securing the right to
  their homeland
• RPF threat exploited by Rwandan President
  Habyarimana
• Peace accord between President Habyarimana and
  RPF signed in 1993

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Rwandan Genocide

• 1994 - President Habyarimana killed when his
  plane was shot down
• Campaign of retribution begins
• Leaders of political opposition murdered
• Interhamwe mobilised
• Campaign encouraged via radio propaganda
• Citizens offered incentives to carry out attacks
  on their neighbours

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Aftermath of the Violence

• Ceasefire declared when RPF captured Kigali and
  government collapsed
• Hutu president inaugurated and cabinet positions
  given to RPF members
• 100 days of violence resulted in the deaths of
  over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus

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Seminar Task

• What does SIT have to offer to
• Our understanding of the build-up to the Rwandan
  violence?
• Our knowledge of the perpetration of the
  conflict?
• What do SIT-related conflict reduction and
  resolution theories have to offer us in terms of
  how the conflict may have been resolved before
  the violence began?
• What questions does SIT and its related theories
  fail to provide adequate answers to and why?
• What do other political psychology theories have
  to offer to either of these areas?

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Recommended Reading

• Eidelson, R.J. Eidelson, J.I. (2003) Dangerous
  Ideas Five Beliefs That Propel Groups Toward
  Conflict. American Psychologist, 58, 3, 182-192
• Seyle, D. C. Newman, M.L. (2006)A House
  Divided? The Psychology of Red and Blue America 
  American Psychologist, 61, 6, 571-580
• Worchel, S. (2005) Culture's role in conflict and
  conflict management Some suggestions, many
  questions  International Journal of Intercultural
  Relations, 29, 6, 739-757