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

Obradović, Sandra; Albayrak-Aydemir, Nihan; Amer, Amena; Boza, Mia and Kışlıoğlu, Reşit (2024). Power, meta‐perceptions, and belonging: How positive recognition matters for group identification, identity compatibility, and intergroup attitudes. Political Psychology (Early access).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.13069

Abstract

Group identification and belonging has been theorized as one pathway for overcoming intergroup divides in a larger, superordinate context. Research on self-identification with groups has grown exponentially in political psychology, yet less is known about the impact of the other side of the coin; how relevant others recognize our claims to belonging. Across three studies with data from three countries (Romania, Serbia, and Türkiye) we examine the impact of recognition of belonging for superordinate membership. 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 belonging of less prototypical members (Study 2, N = 1255). Through an experimental design (Study 3, N = 573) we find that exposure to more positive recognition by prototypical subgroups can increase identification, superordinate-subordinate identity compatibility and political support for EU membership. Significant differences emerge between the countries, highlighting the importance of context, which we consider in the discussion.

Plain Language Summary

● The paper advances theorization of identity within political psychology by testing and evidencing how power and recognition shape group identification on different levels of inclusion.
● The paper illustrates how positive recognition can be leveraged to better superordinate group belonging and commitment in Europe, a finding relevant to policymakers interested in increasing support for European-level initiatives.
● The theoretical consideration and testing of meta-perceptions as drivers of belonging is further relevant for practitioners working with communities experiencing discrimination and marginalization, to consider interventions that not only heighten community empowerment but also positive recognition by relevant others within the broader social and political context.

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