On the stability of social preferences in inter-group conflict: A lab-in-the-field panel study

Robert Böhm, Jürgen Fleiß, Robert Rybnicek

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

Despite the omnipresence of inter-group conflicts, little is known about the heterogeneity and stability of individuals’ social preferences toward in-group and out-group members. To identify the prevalence and stability of social preferences in inter-group conflict, we gather quota-representative, incentivized data from a lab-in-the-field study during the heated 2016 Austrian presidential election. We assess social preferences toward in-group and out-group members one week before, one week after, and three months after the election. We find considerable heterogeneity in individuals’ group-(in)dependent social preferences. Utilizing various econometric strategies, we find largely stable social preferences over the course of conflict. Yet, there is some indication of variation, particularly when the conflict becomes less salient. Variation is larger in social preferences toward in-group members and among specific preference types. We discuss the theoretical implications of our findings and outline potential avenues for future research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1215-1248
Number of pages34
JournalThe Journal of Conflict Resolution
Volume65
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2021
Externally publishedYes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 501021 Social psychology

Keywords

  • field experiment
  • in-group favoritism
  • inter-group conflict
  • parochialism
  • preference dynamics
  • social preferences

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