Abstract
This commentary addresses the development of intergroup relations. We argue that children’s reasoning about particular groups is strongly influenced by cues that shape the extent to which they conceive of group members in an undifferentiated way versus as distinct individuals. These cues include opportunities for contact with group members as well as the form and content of the information about social groups that children are exposed to. This approach to conceptualizing intergroup conflict builds upon important theoretical frameworks such as psychological essentialism, and it can be used to generate predictions about how intergroup attitudes will develop.
Highlights
We address the development of intergroup attitudes.
We argue that development is influenced by cues that shape whether group members are viewed as distinct individuals.
This framework points to ways to encourage intergroup understanding and reduce intergroup conflict.