Identity Fusion with One’s Country and Willingness to Fight for it: The Moderation Role of Universalism Values

Abstract

Social identification can promote benevolence toward ingroup members but can also instigate hostility toward outgroup members, especially when the former group feels mistreated. Identity fusion with one’s country, a feeling of union with it, is a good predictor of willingness to fight people who have offended or threatened it. In this study, we propose that universalism values – concern about equality and justice for all people – attenuate the link between identity fusion with one’s country and willingness to fight those who disrespect it. In a Chilean sample (N = 160, age between 18 and 63 years, Mage = 31.21 years, SD = 8.90 years; 73.1% women), a multiple regression analysis supported our hypothesis. We discuss the implications of this result for interventions directed to improve intergroup relationships.

Keywords

• identity fusion
• universalism values
• willingness to fight
• intergroup relationships