November 2010
·
411 Reads
·
4 Citations
(from the chapter) In this chapter, we explore how the nature of the self-concept and personal goal pursuit influence interpersonal and intergroup perceptions, both at the individual and collective levels of self-construal. More specifically, we describe what we call the "fragile" self and discuss its potential characteristics within both personal and group identities. We then link the defensive aspect of fragile self-concepts to attitudes toward others (and out-groups in particular), and introduce a new model of functional self-regulation through group identity and intergroup attitudes. Finally, we present new data that begin to test the general structure of the model, including the common elements of fragile personal and collective identities across two important groups (nation and religion). Throughout this discussion of the self and intergroup attitudes, we attempt to demonstrate that identity is never a unitary construction. Just as we should avoid concentrating solely on level of personal self-esteem (i.e, is it also narcissistic or fragile?), we should also avoid concentrating solely on level of identification with a social group (i.e, what functions are served by the identity?). For example, national identity may be more or less nationalistic, while religious identity may be more or less fundamentalist. In the end, the important goals that are pursued and the functions that group identities come to serve for the individual, above and beyond level of self-esteem or group identification, have important implications for intergroup attitudes and relations between groups. To illustrate this perspective, we focus in particular on goals and beliefs relevant to narcissism, such as superiority, competitiveness, entitlement, and recognition, versus more universal and adaptive motives related to acceptance, belonging, and affiliation. Our main thesis is that fragile selves, united by commonalities in content, structure, and goal-pursuit across levels, leave individuals vulnerable to self-concept threat, which may be defended against through hostile intergroup attitudes. Thus, what unites the narcissist and the nationalist, for example, is the common pursuit of superiority goals and the use of the national group to further such goals, often resulting in hostile attitudes toward other groups perceived as threatening that superiority.