Identity Needs in Intergroup Relations: Between the Age of Apology and Victimhood Culture

Abstract

Around the turn of the millennium, the social representation of minorities in Western societies shifted from marginalized deviants to victims of injustice, prompting calls for recognition and reparation. Drawing on the social identity tradition, we argue that this shift in representation gave rise to new identity needs, with victim groups seeking to restore their agentic identity and perpetrator groups their moral identity. We review two research trends that emerged from this shift in representation and its relationship to identity needs. The first trend focuses on group apologies, forgiveness, and corresponding gestures. We suggest that these gestures can promote reconciliation by satisfying group members’ identity needs; we also acknowledge the limitations and critiques of using the apology–forgiveness cycle to promote intergroup reconciliation. The second trend concerns groups’ engagement in competitive victimhood. We propose that this engagement stems from the same identity needs and discuss its consequences and strategies for reducing it. Finally, we outline future directions and practical takeaways and reflect on the changing zeitgeist.