Linguistic Inter-group Bias

Description

We tend to communicate positive in-group and negative out-group behaviors more abstractly than negative in-group and positive out-group behaviors, which are communicated more explicitly.

Abstract communications tends to be persistent over time. Thus we use abstraction to imply that in-group people are more consistently good and out-group people are consistently bad.

When an item is communicated abstractly, it may be followed up with more detail, perhaps to explain cause.

Research

In a review of Italian reports, Riva and Giuseppe found differences where Berlusconi (head of the right-wing coalition) said: "Previti [a member of his coalition] asked the Rome judge for a suggestion." Referring to the same event, a sample of out-group discourse followed: Rutelli (head of the left-wing coalition) said: "When Previti intended to bribe the Rome judge, he invited him in[to] his office."

So What?

Using it

To establish yourself in a group, use these patterns to indicate your positive regard for the group and lower regard for out-group members.

Defending

When others talk about you in a way that indicates out-group thinking, challenge them or otherwise correct the language to establish your in-group linguistic pattern.

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Linguistic Inter-group Bias

Description

Research

Example

So What?

Using it

Defending

See also

References

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Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

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Site Menu

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And