Intergroup cooperation in the United States and Japan: Revisiting Yuki's (2003) theory on the cultural difference in the conceptualization of group boundaries

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cresp.2024.100200
• Publication Date: 2024-06-27T00:31:05Z
• Authors: Hirotaka Imada; Gen Tsudaka; Nobuhiro Mifune; Keiko Mizuno; Joanna Schug; Kodai Kusano
• Keywords: Ingroups and outgroups; Collective identity

Social identity theory posits that individuals perceive the in-group as a homogenous entity comprised of depersonalized individuals, and this has provided foundation to understand intergroup processes for many years. Cross-cultural research suggested social may not apply East Asians, who conceptualize their in-groups differently than those in from Western cultures. Specifically, Yuki colleagues contend Asians networks wherein each individual is connected through personal ties, rather individuals. Furthermore, prior shown are more likely trust out-group members with potential connections, similarly how they actual members. This reflects group boundary perception based on linkages categorical membership. Conversely, cultures tend members, regardless connections. Our preregistered study (N = 332 Japanese 345 American university students) aimed conceptually replicate key findings support Yuki's account expand upon context cooperation. Overall, we failed find evidence network-based category-based cooperation among Americans, respectively. Consequently, our results highlight need further experimental investigation validation colleagues' theoretical framework.