(General Studies IV – Attitude section – Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.)
- The concept of ‘us vs. them’ bias in human societies is deeply rooted and can be observed in various forms of discrimination.
- Neuroimaging studies have shown that the brain processes information differently depending on whether it pertains to an in-group (“us”) or an out-group (“them”).
What is ‘Us Vs them’ bias?
- It refers to the cognitive bias where individuals categorize people into in-groups (“us”) and out-groups (“them”).
- This bias influences how people perceive, interact with, and judge members of different groups, often leading to favouritism towards in-groups and discrimination against out-groups.
- The basis for these group distinctions can be race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or any other social identity marker.
| Mechanism Cognitive Bias: Our brains are wired to quickly categorize people based on perceived similarities and differences. This simplifies social interactions but can lead to stereotyping and prejudice. Neurobiological Response: Brain regions like the amygdala, which are involved in threat detection, become more active when dealing with out-group members, potentially leading to mistrust and fear. |
| ‘Us Vs them’ in society The 1984 anti-Sikh riots serve as a stark example of ‘us vs. them’ bias in India. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, widespread violence was directed against the Sikh community. This was fuelled by political and social narratives that painted them as ‘the other’. This tragic event highlights how ‘us vs. them’ biases can escalate into communal violence and social discord. |
Key Findings of the recent study –
- In the Implicit Association Test (IAT), used to reveal subconscious biases in humans, the participants showed implicit biases favouring socially advantaged groups, regardless of their explicit statements of equality.
- The study also showed Pseudo-speciation, which is treating members of different cultural or social groups as less than human.
- Studies indicate that the brain categorizes in-group and out-group members differently, with shifting criteria based on context.
- The brain regions involved in the process were:
- Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Insula: Activate in response to pain and empathy but show lower activation for out-group members in distress.
- Amygdala: Central to detecting threats and fear-based learning; more active when the perceived threat is from an out-group member.
- The study also showed that reconciliatory messages activate cortical regions that control impulses and regulate emotions, thus, by actively promoting positive and peaceful interactions, we can reduce our automatic biases and improve intergroup relations.
| Learning Bias Bias is a learned response influenced by cultural associations and the brain’s biology. Hostility towards out-groups often stems from associating them with threats, heightened in uncertain situations like the pandemic. |
Measures to Overcome ‘Us vs. Them’ Bias –
- Promote Intergroup Contact: Encouraging interactions between different groups through events like workplace diversity initiatives can reduce stereotypes and build empathy.
- Education and Awareness: Integrating lessons on cultural sensitivity, bias, and inclusion into educational curriculums can help young people recognize and counteract biases from an early age.
- Media and Messaging: Using media platforms to share reconciliatory messages, positive stories, and role models from diverse backgrounds can influence public perceptions and reduce biases.
- Legislation and Policies: Implementing and enforcing anti-discrimination laws ensures equal treatment and protection for all groups. Policies promoting diversity and inclusion in various sectors also help.
- Cognitive Training: Programs designed to train individuals in recognizing and managing their biases, such as implicit bias training, can help reduce prejudices.
Understanding the neurological basis of biases can help in creating more informed and effective strategies to promote social cohesion and reduce discrimination, where we can have a more inclusive and harmonious society,
