intergrupal

Intergrupal is a term used to describe the relations, interactions, and dynamics that occur between distinct social groups within a society. It encompasses attitudes, behaviors, institutions, and cultural norms that shape how groups perceive one another and collaborate or compete across boundaries. The concept is central to fields such as social psychology, sociology, and conflict resolution, and is applied to contexts ranging from workplaces and schools to communities and nations.

Theoretical foundations include social identity theory, which explains in-group favoritism and out-group bias; realistic conflict theory, which emphasizes competition over scarce resources; and the contact hypothesis, which proposes that under favorable conditions direct contact reduces prejudice. More recent work explores common ingroup identity, which can reduce divisions by recategorizing multiple groups as a single, shared group.

Key processes involve social categorization, conformity to group norms, stereotypes formation, discrimination, and the development of intergroup trust or mistrust. Interventions often focus on improving interdependence, increasing equal status during interactions, facilitating cooperative activities, and creating shared goals to promote positive intergroup relations.

Research methods vary from experiments and surveys to field studies in schools and organizations. Common measures assess prejudice, willingness to cooperate, perceived threat, trust, and contact quality.

Applications include diversity and inclusion programs, peacebuilding efforts, and policies aimed at reducing segregation and fostering social cohesion. Critics note that interventions can backfire if not culturally sensitive or if power imbalances are ignored.