Effects of cross categorization on Inter-Group perceptions of Muslims and Christians in Pakistan

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of crossed category membership on inter-group evaluations for the in-groups and out-groups. The participants consisted of 400 Pakistani Muslims and Christians. Four hypotheses derived from social identity theory were tested. The results indicated that both higher religious and social class identities led to stronger in-group bias. Majority target groups favored positive traits and minorities were assigned negative traits. Higher status groups showed more in-group favoritism, while lower status groups exhibited more out-group derogation. The findings highlight the role of social identity and group categorization in shaping inter-group perceptions.