Intergroup relations, identification and social influence

Abstract

This paper reviews the research which introduces the intergroup dimension into the study of social influence processes, those of minorities in particular. After discussing the complexity of the intergroup context that presides over the diffusion of an innovation, the authors propose that social influence, categorization and identification processes can be integrated into a conceptual framework. It is shown that dominated entities, be they minorities or simply out‐groups, possess an essential ability to induce and negotiate social conflict through their behavioural and negotiation styles despite their being discriminated against. It is also shown that the minority which is confronted with such discrimination exerts an influence that is often indirect and latent, in the form of a conversion.

Majority and Minority Influence: A Dual Role Interpretation

“…the minority message points to the direction in which polarization should occur. Mugny et al (1984) argue that recipients actively resist identification with a minority source. This suppresses focal but not related change.…”

Group Identification, Intergroup Perceptions and Collective Action

“…Principles derived from social identity theory and, more recently, self-categorization theory suggest that influence from a source perceived as an outgroup may be resisted because acceptance implies a re-definition of social identity as perceived outgroup characteristics are attributed to the self (Abrams & Hogg, 1990;Mugny, 1982;Mugny et al, 1984). The stronger the individual's sense of ingroup identification, the morc negative the perception of those outgroup characteristics.…”

The role of social categorization and perceived source credibility in minority influence

“…Along the same line, outgroup minorities were found to be more persuasive than ingroup minorities on indirect attitude measures but only when presenting humanitarian rather than classstruggle arguments (Mugny, Perez, Kaiser and Papastamou, 1984). Finally, one study suggests that outgroup minorities may, under some circumstances, have a longer lasting impact than ingroup minorities (Mugny et al, 1983).…”