Group norms in interethnic relations: implications for intergroup attitudes, collective action, and stress

This dissertation advances understanding of how group norms shape key aspects of interethnic relations, with a focus on the moderating role of political ideology. Across four empirical chapters, it examines interethnic attitudes (Chapters 2 and 3), physiological stress in talking about interethnic relations (Chapter 4), and collective action intentions to address interethnic inequalities (Chapter 5). Drawing on student, community, and online samples, the studies integrate methods including surveys, experiments, social network analysis, and physiological assessments. Chapter 2 finds that equality norms reduce prejudice towards migrants, especially among right-leaning individuals. Chapter 3, a longitudinal field study combined with social network analysis, demonstrates that a norm-based intervention effectively fosters more positive intergroup attitudes among students and the spread of positive intergroup attitudes within school networks. Chapter 4, using a psychophysiological approach, reveals that progressive changes in public opinion regarding migration lead to a stronger cardiovascular pattern indicating challenge among leftists and threat among rightists. Chapter 5 shows that equality-focused normative messages motivate advantaged group members, particularly leftists, to engage in non-normative, nonviolent collective action. Overall, the findings demonstrate that equality norms can improve interethnic attitudes and mobilise collective action for equality, but their effectiveness depends on individuals’ political ideology or group membership.<br>