Power, meta‐perceptions, and belonging: How positive recognition matters for group identification, identity compatibility, and intergroup attitudes

Abstract

Creating a shared group identification has been theorized as one pathway for overcoming intergroup divides within larger, superordinate contexts. Although self‐identification with superordinate groups has been extensively studied in political psychology, less attention has been paid to how others' recognition of our belonging shapes this process. The present paper examines the role of such perceived recognition for European identification across three countries ‐ Romania, Serbia, and Türkiye ‐ using data from three studies. We find support for a hierarchical framing of a superordinate group (Study 1, N = 374), where the perspective of more prototypical subgroups come to act as gatekeepers, impacting the identities of less prototypical members (Study 2, N = 1255). Through an experimental design (Study 3, N = 573), we find that exposure to more positive perspectives of prototypical subgroups can increase identification, superordinate–subordinate identity compatibility and political support for group membership. Significant differences emerge between the countries, highlighting the importance of socio‐political and historical context, which we consider in the discussion.