“Our Wars Are the Same”: (Horizontal) Collectivism Is Associated With Lay Theory of Generalized Prejudice

Abstract

The present research investigated the associations of collectivism with lay theory of generalized prejudice (LTGP) endorsement and, consequently, intraminority allyship. Study 1 recruited people from Chile, Germany, Mexico, Israel, and the United States ( N = 655) and found that higher levels of self-reported collectivism were associated with stronger LTGP endorsements. Study 2 replicated this collectivism-LTGP relationship among Chinese individuals in 19 countries ( N = 118). In Study 3, Latinx U.S. participants ( N = 334) primed with high (versus low) collectivism endorsed LTGP more strongly, which was associated with greater stigma-based solidarity and intraminority allyship. Study 4 recruited from Greece, South Africa, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States ( N = 778), and found that horizontal (but not vertical) collectivism was associated with LTGP and thus allyship. Study 4 identified three mechanisms linking (horizontal) collectivism and LTGP: connecting discrimination, attention to discrimination, and empathy. Findings highlight collectivistic mindsets as a strategy to facilitate intraminority coalitions.