Intergroup reconciliation: Instrumental and socio-emotional processes and the needs-based model

Abstract

We discuss the complexity of the concept of intergroup reconciliation, offer our definition of it, and identify instrumental and socio-emotional processes as distinct processes that facilitate reconciliation. We then present the needs-based model, according to which conflicts threaten victims’ sense of agency and perpetrators’ moral image, and social exchange interactions that restore victims’ and perpetrators’ impaired identities promote reconciliation. We review empirical evidence supporting the model and present extensions of it to (a) contexts of structural inequality, (b) “dual” conflicts, in which both parties transgress against each other, and (c) contexts in which the restoration of positive identities is external to the victim–perpetrator dyad (e.g., third-parties’ interventions). Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

Keywords:

• The needs-based model
• Intergroup reconciliation
• Apology
• Forgiveness
• Competitive victimhood
• Perpetrators
• Victims

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) [grant agreement number LE1260/3-1 to the first author]; and the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) [grant agreement number PCIG09-GA-2011-293602, awarded to the second author].