LIT 5 - Littman, Living under Threat, intergroup hostility Flashcards
Why is the psychology of individual violent behavior a puzzle? Littman
Participation in violence is often aversive and distressing for ordinary people, yet violent behavior often leads to more violence in the future.
What is the central argument of the Littman article?
The authors argue that participation in collective violence is a cycle. Group identification motivates violent behavior, and violent behavior, in turn, increases identification with the violent group.
Why is it important to distinguish between joining a violent group and committing violence? Littman
Individuals may belong to a violent group without engaging in violent behavior. Joining a group does not automatically equate to committing violence on behalf of the group.
What are reasons people join violent groups? Littman
o Political and economic grievances
o Greed
o Desire for revenge
o Protection from ongoing violence
o Ideology
o Quest for personal significance
o Reduction of uncertainty
o Forced conscription or abduction
What are the three main perspectives on collective violence? Littman
o Situationist Perspective: This perspective emphasizes the power of the immediate context in influencing individuals to engage in violence, even if they are not typically violent.
It often overlooks the role of the collective and the individual’s relationship with the group.
o Group Identity and Intergroup Conflict Perspective: This focuses on how individuals identify with their ingroup and how competition and perceived threats from outgroups can lead to conflict and violence.
Doesn’t fully examine the act of perpetrating violence and its consequences for the individual and the group.
o Individual Extremist Perspective: This perspective seeks to understand why some individuals become extremists and engage in extreme acts of violence, often focusing on individual differences and motivations.
Tends to focus on individual differences rather than the broader social and psychological processes involved in mass participation in violence.
How does identification with a violent group motivate individuals to commit violence? Littman
Highly identified group members are more likely to conform to group norms, even if those norms involve violence. They may see violence as a way to gain status, belonging, and demonstrate loyalty to the group.
How do violent groups reduce psychological obstacles to violence? Littman
Violent groups can make violence seem less aversive and distressing through:
o Normalisation: Making violence a standard and expected behaviour within the group.
o Psychological Distance: Increasing the physical or social distance between the perpetrator and the target, for example, by using weapons that allow for attacks from a distance or by dehumanizing the enemy.
o Drugs and Alcohol: Providing access to substances that lower inhibitions and reduce aversion.
How does engaging in violent behaviour increase identification with a violent group? Littman
Individuals may justify their violent actions and the associated distress by believing the group is important enough to them to warrant such behaviour. They may also distance themselves from other social groups that do not condone violence, further increasing their reliance on and identification with the violent group.
What are the policy implications of the cycle of violence? Littman
Interventions should not only focus on economic or social factors but also address the powerful role of group identification in perpetuating violence. This might involve:
o Strengthening alternative social groups that can provide a sense of belonging.
o Supporting reintegration programmes that help former combatants develop new, nonviolent group memberships.
