Tolerance by surprise: evidence for a generalized reduction in prejudice and increased egalitarianism through novel category combination.

ABSTRACT: Prejudices towards different groups are interrelated, but research has yet to find a way to promote tolerance towards multiple outgroups. We devise, develop and implement a new cognitive intervention for achieving generalized tolerance based on scientific studies of social categorization. In five laboratory experiments and one field study the intervention led to a reduction of prejudice towards multiple outgroups (elderly, disabled, asylum seekers, HIV patients, gay men), and fostered generalized tolerance and egalitarian beliefs. Importantly, these effects persisted outside the laboratory in a context marked by a history of violent ethnic conflict, increasing trust and reconciliatory tendencies towards multiple ethnic groups in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. We discuss the imp

SUBMITTER: Vasiljevic M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3590200 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature