In Group/Out Group: What’s the Difference, and Why Does it Matter?
An in-group is a group that we identify with or see ourselves as belonging to. Conversely, an out-group, is a group that we view as fundamentally different from us. In many cases, the determining factor of whether you belong to the group is something intrinsic (sex, race, age). Other times, it can be something completely random, or brought about by chance. For example, if you were born in one city, and grew up a fan of a certain sports team, you would view yourself as a member of that in-group; a fan of that team. Likewise, someone else, born in a different city and a fan of a rival team, views themself as part of that in-group. These two individuals could look at one another with disgust, or even disdain, simply because they support a team that the other opposes. And why? Because they both happened to be born where they were born?
This leads us to in-group bias. The prejudice we hold or the discrimination we show towards an out-group simply comes about because that group is perceived as different, or less preferred. But why? Surely, some of it has to do with our brain’s natural process of categorizing people into certain groups, but there’s more to it than that; to the extent that people make moral judgements based on in-group and out-group distinctions. If a member of our in-group misbehaves, it could be perceived as no big deal, or them just being passionate. However, if a member of an out-group performed that same behavior, we would tend to judge that person more harshly, or even perceive it as a threat.
So, why does this matter? Why am I writing about this now? Well, for me, this is an important topic, and should be on everyone’s mind right now given the state we are in as a nation. Coincidentally, we learned about this topic in class just as all the drama of the 2020 election was unfolding. I watched as one side blamed the other for every problem we faced. I watched as people I’ve loved my entire life turned on one-another, all in the name of proclaiming their group as the “right” one. And truly, research has shown that when automatic in-group and out-group distinctions replace conscious and thoughtful reflection, we are more likely to harm one another and behave unethically.
What amazes me is that our feelings toward our in-group can become so strong that we become completely blind to all that makes us similar. In an effort to belong, and feel secure within one group, we isolate ourselves from a different one. One that might actually be able to provide us that security and belonging we seek. We lose sight of truly how arbitrary some of the group distinctions really are.
After-all, aren’t we all a part of the same, all-encompassing, in-group? If you’re reading this, then the answer is yes, we are.
Nick Kuhn
