violence: sources & consequences

Violence: Sources & ConsequencesViolence: Sources & Consequences

Topics 4, 6, 8, & 9Topics 4, 6, 8, & 9

Topic 4: GenocideTopic 4: Genocide

An act intended to destroy a whole An act intended to destroy a whole social group (e.g., ethnic, religious, social group (e.g., ethnic, religious, racial, nationality)racial, nationality)

Mass killing: intent to kill large number Mass killing: intent to kill large number of people from a particular group; of people from a particular group; may be a way station for genocidemay be a way station for genocide

Staub (2001a, 2001b)

Genocide & Mass KillingGenocide & Mass Killing(unfolds sequentially)(unfolds sequentially)

1.1. Instigation: Difficult life conditions and/or intergroup conflictInstigation: Difficult life conditions and/or intergroup conflict

2.2. Threat to basic needsThreat to basic needs

3.3. Elevating ingroup; derogating outgroup; scapegoating; Elevating ingroup; derogating outgroup; scapegoating; creating or adopting ideologycreating or adopting ideology

4.4. Initial HarmingInitial Harming

5.5. Altered societal & individual identity; changes in norms and Altered societal & individual identity; changes in norms and institutionsinstitutions

6.6. Mass killing and/or genocideMass killing and/or genocide

Staub (2001a, 2001b)

Some Risk FactorsSome Risk FactorsFactors that put a society at risk for Factors that put a society at risk for

genocide (no sequential order)genocide (no sequential order)

Staub (2001a, 2001b)

Legitimizing ideologiesLegitimizing ideologiesAuthority OrientationAuthority OrientationCultural devaluationCultural devaluationUnhealed group trauma Unhealed group trauma

(victim-perpetrator cycle)(victim-perpetrator cycle)

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Ideology of antagonism (define self = Ideology of antagonism (define self = opposite of enemy)opposite of enemy)

Monolithic vs. pluralistic culturesMonolithic vs. pluralistic cultures Ideology of superiorityIdeology of superiority Leaders exacerbating group Leaders exacerbating group

differencesdifferences Bystander complicityBystander complicity

Staub (2001a, 2001b)

InterventionIntervention

Early Warning Systems that activate responses

Private high-level communications

Public demands

Sanctions (e.g., economic boycotts, withholding aid)

International forces Staub (2001b)

Intensity

of

Intervention

PreventionPrevention

Meet human needsMeet human needs Reconciliation (memorials, etc.)Reconciliation (memorials, etc.) Dialogues (problem solving workshops)Dialogues (problem solving workshops) Truth commissionsTruth commissions War tribunalsWar tribunals DemocratizationDemocratization Teaching childrenTeaching children

Staub (2001b)

Topic 6: Sociopsychological Topic 6: Sociopsychological Foundations of Intractable ConflictsFoundations of Intractable Conflicts

Over time, intractable conflicts evolve a Over time, intractable conflicts evolve a Sociopsychological InfrastructureSociopsychological Infrastructure: Shared : Shared beliefs that provide collective narratives, beliefs that provide collective narratives, and collective emotional orientations.and collective emotional orientations.

Two Collective Narratives: Past & PresentTwo Collective Narratives: Past & Present Collective MemoryCollective Memory

Ethos of ConflictEthos of Conflict

Bar-Tal, 2007, Bar-Tal, 2007, ABSABS

Collective MemoryCollective Memory

Socially constructed history of conflictSocially constructed history of conflict Memory: selective attn, processing, Memory: selective attn, processing,

recollection, etc.recollection, etc. Black/white picture; parsimonious, Black/white picture; parsimonious,

unequivocalunequivocal Public Memory & Official (Govt) memoryPublic Memory & Official (Govt) memory


Collective Memory ThemesCollective Memory Themes

Justify outbreak of conflictJustify outbreak of conflict Positive image of in-groupPositive image of in-group Victim of opponentVictim of opponent Delegitimization of opponentDelegitimization of opponent


Ethos of ConflictEthos of Conflict Narrative about the presentNarrative about the present

Eight themes: Societal belief inEight themes: Societal belief in

justness of own goalsjustness of own goals importance of securityimportance of security positive collective self-imagepositive collective self-image oneone’’s victimizations victimization delegitimizing the opponentdelegitimizing the opponent patriotismpatriotism unityunity peacepeace


Collective Emotional OrientationCollective Emotional Orientation

Emphasis on one or a number of Emphasis on one or a number of particular emotionsparticular emotions• Collective fear orientationCollective fear orientation• Collective hatred (as a potent Collective hatred (as a potent

motivating force)motivating force)


Functions of Sociopsychological Functions of Sociopsychological InfrastructureInfrastructure

Epistemic: coherent understanding and meaning Epistemic: coherent understanding and meaning in a stressful situationin a stressful situation

Moral: justify destructive acts toward the enemyMoral: justify destructive acts toward the enemy Social Dominance: needs for differentiation and Social Dominance: needs for differentiation and

superiority (Sidanius & Pratto, 1999)superiority (Sidanius & Pratto, 1999) Preparedness: attune members to threatening Preparedness: attune members to threatening

acts of enemy – satisfying needs for predictability acts of enemy – satisfying needs for predictability & mastery& mastery

Motivation: solidarity, mobilization, and actionMotivation: solidarity, mobilization, and action


Social IdentitySocial Identity

Based on self-categorizationBased on self-categorization

SI is shaped by sociopsychological SI is shaped by sociopsychological infrastructureinfrastructure


Institutionalization of Institutionalization of Sociopsychological InfrastructureSociopsychological Infrastructure

Extensive Sharing and SocializationExtensive Sharing and Socialization

Wide Application (in daily conversations, etc.)Wide Application (in daily conversations, etc.)

Expression in Cultural ProductsExpression in Cultural Products

Appearance in Educational MaterialsAppearance in Educational Materials


Sociopsychological InfrastructureSociopsychological Infrastructure

Responsible for Vicious Cycle of Responsible for Vicious Cycle of Intractable ConflictIntractable Conflict


Intractable Conflict

SociopsychologicalInfrastructure

Topic 8: MilitarismTopic 8: Militarism

Processes through which individuals Processes through which individuals and societal institutions become and societal institutions become reliant upon, or dominated by the reliant upon, or dominated by the militarymilitary

(Winter & Pilisuk, 2001, PCV)

Typology of Peace & ViolenceTypology of Peace & Violence

EpisodicEpisodic Structural Structural

Violence

Peacebuilding

Episodic Violence

Structural Violence

Episodic Peace-building

Structural Peace-building

SystemicPeacebuilding

SystemicViolence

(Christie, 2006, JSI)

Militarism as Structural ViolenceMilitarism as Structural Violence

Structural violence is continuous, not Structural violence is continuous, not intermittentintermittent

• During war: use resources (weapons, etc.)During war: use resources (weapons, etc.)

• During peace: prepare for war During peace: prepare for war

• Mythmaking throughout: threats Mythmaking throughout: threats


Militarism as Structural ViolenceMilitarism as Structural Violence

Militarism kills people slowly, depriving them of Militarism kills people slowly, depriving them of basic need satisfaction (during war and peace)basic need satisfaction (during war and peace)• National military expenditures exceed expenditures for National military expenditures exceed expenditures for

education in 34 Developing Countries (out of approx 100)education in 34 Developing Countries (out of approx 100)

• Same is true for three Same is true for three ““developeddeveloped”” countries: Israel, Russia, and countries: Israel, Russia, and USA!USA!

• Approx 90% of global sales in arms from USApprox 90% of global sales in arms from US

• Cost for one nuclear-powered submarine ($2.5 billion) could Cost for one nuclear-powered submarine ($2.5 billion) could immunize the worldimmunize the world’’s children for one year.s children for one year.


Causes of MilitarismCauses of Militarism

Trad it ion a lE xp lan a tion s

M on eta ryE xp lan a tion

M ascu lin eE xp lan a tion

M ys tica lE xp lan a tion

C au ses o fM ilita rism


1. Traditional Explanations: 1. Traditional Explanations: Just War Theory Just War Theory

Criteria that must be metCriteria that must be met• Last ResortLast Resort• Legitimate AuthorityLegitimate Authority• Self DefenseSelf Defense• Moral Benefits must Exceed CostsMoral Benefits must Exceed Costs• Noncombatant ImmunityNoncombatant Immunity


1. Traditional Explanations:1. Traditional Explanations:Political PsychologyPolitical Psychology

Fear and deterrence Fear and deterrence Pride: of medals & membership in the Pride: of medals & membership in the ““nuclear clubnuclear club”” RealpolitikRealpolitik Offense/defense ambiguityOffense/defense ambiguity Fundamental attribution errorFundamental attribution error


2. Monetary Explanation of 2. Monetary Explanation of MilitarismMilitarism

Jobs and Profits! U.S. defense budget isJobs and Profits! U.S. defense budget isjustified often on the basis of economic rather justified often on the basis of economic rather than security reasonsthan security reasons

• U.S. winners: McDonnell-Douglas, Boeing, Lockheed, etc.U.S. winners: McDonnell-Douglas, Boeing, Lockheed, etc.

• Selling small arms to developing nationsSelling small arms to developing nations

• 90% of deaths worldwide are within nations and caused 90% of deaths worldwide are within nations and caused by small armsby small arms


MilitarismMilitarismThe Political-Economic-Scientific-Industrial SystemThe Political-Economic-Scientific-Industrial System

Science & Technology:

Weapons Development

Global Arms Trade:Militarization Jobs

Politics(funding)

3. Masculinity Explanation of 3. Masculinity Explanation of MilitarismMilitarism

Universally, men are violentUniversally, men are violent• Men saturate the institutions of warMen saturate the institutions of war• Sexual imagery is common (e.g., penetration)Sexual imagery is common (e.g., penetration)


4. Mystical4. Mystical

Belonging to something larger than ourselvesBelonging to something larger than ourselves

• bonding to the platoonbonding to the platoon

• War monuments as religious experiencesWar monuments as religious experiences


Militarism:Militarism:Ben – The Ice Cream GuyBen – The Ice Cream Guy

http://ww11.e-tractions.com/http://ww11.e-tractions.com/truemajority/servlet/truemajority/servlet/Gamelet;jsessionid=57573689B715CGamelet;jsessionid=57573689B715CCEF1C71D878C57B84E5?CEF1C71D878C57B84E5?req=BjEzO6PaM3E3tzM6bjEFtXM6B3req=BjEzO6PaM3E3tzM6bjEFtXM6B3Ef%2BWC3QEf%2BWC3Q%2FmabjF9b9Z1ozMzGjEft2MzMjEEt3%2FmabjF9b9Z1ozMzGjEft2MzMjEEt3KaB3Ef%2Ba5ZpiFkv4x%3DKaB3Ef%2Ba5ZpiFkv4x%3D

Topic 9: Cycles of ViolenceTopic 9: Cycles of Violence

First some background, based on: First some background, based on:

In the Wake of 9/11: The Psychology of TerrorIn the Wake of 9/11: The Psychology of TerrorPyszczynski, Solomon, and Greenberg (2003)Pyszczynski, Solomon, and Greenberg (2003)

In the Wake of 9/11:In the Wake of 9/11:The Psychology of TerrorThe Psychology of Terror

Chapters 1 & 2Chapters 1 & 2

Pyszczynski et al., 2003

Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Terror in America: Terror in America:

The Day Our World ChagedThe Day Our World Chaged

Terror Management TheoryTerror Management Theory• Not about how we cope with terrorismNot about how we cope with terrorism• How we cope with our How we cope with our awareness that awareness that

death will be our ultimate fatedeath will be our ultimate fate• Answer: by fulfilling culturally Answer: by fulfilling culturally

sanctioned dreamssanctioned dreams


Chapter 2Chapter 2Terror Management TheoryTerror Management Theory

An evolutionary existential account An evolutionary existential account of human behaviorof human behavior

Epistemological AssumptionsEpistemological Assumptions• InterdisciplinaryInterdisciplinary• ScientificScientific• Maximize well-beingMaximize well-being• Grounded in evolution theoryGrounded in evolution theory


Terror Management Theory: Terror Management Theory: Evolutionary BasisEvolutionary Basis

Assumption: all living things strive Assumption: all living things strive for self-preservationfor self-preservation

Humans: convoluted brain!Humans: convoluted brain!• Freedom of reactivity (i.e., behavioral Freedom of reactivity (i.e., behavioral

flexibility)flexibility)• Consciousness and Self-awarenessConsciousness and Self-awareness• Project ourselves into the futureProject ourselves into the future• Unsettling awareness that death is Unsettling awareness that death is

inevitableinevitablePyszczynski et al., 2003

Terror Management Theory: Terror Management Theory: Psycho-Cultural BasisPsycho-Cultural Basis

We experience We experience ““terrorterror”” at the thought at the thought of our own mortalityof our own mortality

What saves us?What saves us?• Culture: shared beliefs about realityCulture: shared beliefs about reality


Terror Management Theory:Terror Management Theory:Psycho-cultural BasisPsycho-cultural Basis

To maintain psychological equanimity we need:To maintain psychological equanimity we need:

1.1. Faith in culturally constructed worldview Faith in culturally constructed worldview that gives reality order, stability, that gives reality order, stability, meaning, and permanencemeaning, and permanence

2.2. Belief that one is a significant Belief that one is a significant contributor to this meaningful realitycontributor to this meaningful reality

(Quote p17, para 1&2)(Quote p17, para 1&2)


Terror Management TheoryTerror Management TheoryPsycho-cultural BasisPsycho-cultural Basis

To manage terror, cultures give members To manage terror, cultures give members ““death transcending worldviews death transcending worldviews

Cultural WorldviewsCultural Worldviews• Creation stories: Foundation for meaning systemsCreation stories: Foundation for meaning systems• History stories: Includes stories of patriotismHistory stories: Includes stories of patriotism

By being part of or contributing to something By being part of or contributing to something larger than yourself, you can transcend larger than yourself, you can transcend death!death!


Terror Management TheoriesTerror Management Theories

Culture and ImmortalityCulture and Immortality• Literal immortality: afterlife provided by Literal immortality: afterlife provided by

religions (including reincarnation!)religions (including reincarnation!)• Symbolic immortality: social connections Symbolic immortality: social connections

and cultural contributionsand cultural contributions

(Quote: 20;2;2-4)(Quote: 20;2;2-4)

(Quote: 22;2;11-13)(Quote: 22;2;11-13)


Terror Management TheoryTerror Management Theory

Culture, Self-Esteem, SecurityCulture, Self-Esteem, Security• Biology: BowlbyBiology: Bowlby’’s work on attachments work on attachment

BabyBaby’’s attachment system (bungee cord!)s attachment system (bungee cord!) Caregiver as a Caregiver as a ““need satisfierneed satisfier”” Caregiver as a Caregiver as a ““secure basesecure base”” Later: Caregiver as Later: Caregiver as ““conditional dispenserconditional dispenser”” of of

affectionaffection Baby view: Good = safe and secure = self-Baby view: Good = safe and secure = self-

esteemesteem Baby view: Bad = anxious and insecure = self-Baby view: Bad = anxious and insecure = self-

esteemesteemPyszczynski et al., 2003


Culture, Self-esteem, and SecurityCulture, Self-esteem, and Security• Child realization of parent mortalityChild realization of parent mortality• Meet cultural standards = self-esteemMeet cultural standards = self-esteem• Self-esteem is the culture-based belief Self-esteem is the culture-based belief

that one is a good and valued that one is a good and valued participant in a meaningful realityparticipant in a meaningful reality

• Self-esteem: protection against deathSelf-esteem: protection against death



ConversionConversion DerogationDerogation AssimilationAssimilation AccommodationAccommodation AnnihilationAnnihilation


The clash of cultural views about immortality!The clash of cultural views about immortality!

Summary of Summary of Terror Management TheoryTerror Management Theory

Chapter 3Chapter 3


Summary (p. 68-69)Summary (p. 68-69)

Mortality salience effects (e.g., ingroup-Mortality salience effects (e.g., ingroup-outgroup bias and other forms of outgroup bias and other forms of worldview defense) occur when thoughts worldview defense) occur when thoughts of death are highly accessible but not of death are highly accessible but not immediately consciousimmediately conscious

Mortality salience effects occur when Mortality salience effects occur when people are in an experiential state of mindpeople are in an experiential state of mind

Rational defenses (e.g., suppression) occur Rational defenses (e.g., suppression) occur immediately after mortality salience is immediately after mortality salience is manipulated manipulated


SummarySummary

Defense of cultural worldviews occur Defense of cultural worldviews occur only after a delay in the mortality only after a delay in the mortality salience manipulationsalience manipulation

Death thought accessibility (coff__) is Death thought accessibility (coff__) is low immediately following mortality low immediately following mortality salience induction but increases over salience induction but increases over timetime• Why? Because proximal defenses (e.g., Why? Because proximal defenses (e.g.,

suppression) relaxsuppression) relaxPyszczynski et al., 2003

SummarySummary

Subliminal death primes produce Subliminal death primes produce immediate increases in accessibility immediate increases in accessibility of death thoughtsof death thoughts

Subliminal death primes result in Subliminal death primes result in increased worldview defenseincreased worldview defense

High self-esteem and rational High self-esteem and rational thinking thinking moderatemoderate worldview defense worldview defense• How? By lowering accessibility of death How? By lowering accessibility of death

thoughtsthoughts


A Dual Process Model of Defense Against A Dual Process Model of Defense Against Conscious and Unconscious Death-Related ThoughtsConscious and Unconscious Death-Related Thoughts

Thoughts of death enter consciousnessThoughts of death enter consciousnessVV

Proximal defenses: Suppression & rationalizationProximal defenses: Suppression & rationalizationVV

Increase in accessibility of death-relatedIncrease in accessibility of death-relatedThought outside consciousnessThought outside consciousness

VVDistal terror management defenses:Distal terror management defenses:

Worldview defense and self-esteem bolsteringWorldview defense and self-esteem bolsteringVV

Death thought accessibility is reduced and Death thought accessibility is reduced and Potential terror is avertedPotential terror is averted


Psychological Impact of Psychological Impact of 9/119/11

Chapter 5Chapter 5


Psychological ImpactPsychological Impact

Physical attackPhysical attack Symbolic attack on cultural iconsSymbolic attack on cultural icons Result: Mortality Salience!Result: Mortality Salience! Evidence: Arndt (2002)Evidence: Arndt (2002)

• Subliminal images of WTCSubliminal images of WTC• Increased availability of death word Increased availability of death word

fragmentsfragments


Reactions to 9/11Reactions to 9/11

Proximal DefensesProximal Defenses• In response to conscious thoughts of In response to conscious thoughts of

deathdeath Distal DefensesDistal Defenses

• In response to unconscious (more In response to unconscious (more readily available) death thoughtsreadily available) death thoughts


Proximal DefensesProximal Defenses

It CanIt Can’’t Happen Here!t Happen Here! Distraction/EscapismDistraction/Escapism

• Alcohol consumptionAlcohol consumption• Video rentalsVideo rentals• ShoppingShopping• Music salesMusic sales

““Modern man is drinking and drugging himself out Modern man is drinking and drugging himself out of awareness, or he spends his time shopping, of awareness, or he spends his time shopping, which is the same thing (Becher, 1973).which is the same thing (Becher, 1973).””


Proximal DefensesProximal Defenses

Curling Up Like an ArmadilloCurling Up Like an Armadillo• Avoid flying, sporting events, theme Avoid flying, sporting events, theme

parks, etc.parks, etc. Undermining FreedomUndermining Freedom

• Security at airports; wiretappingSecurity at airports; wiretapping


Distal DefensesDistal Defenses

We still have vague feelings of vulnerability on the We still have vague feelings of vulnerability on the fringes of our consciousness.fringes of our consciousness.

Intensify Quest for Meaning and ValueIntensify Quest for Meaning and Value• Church, synagogue, and mosque attendanceChurch, synagogue, and mosque attendance• Bible sales flourishBible sales flourish

Spike in Nationalism (Patriotism)Spike in Nationalism (Patriotism)• Of flags and Lee Greenwood!Of flags and Lee Greenwood!• 94% approval rating of Pres Bush94% approval rating of Pres Bush



Suppress DissentSuppress Dissent• Hostility toward diverging viewsHostility toward diverging views• Dissent against government = unpatrioticDissent against government = unpatriotic• Bill Maher and cowards!Bill Maher and cowards!

Intensifying BigotryIntensifying Bigotry• Hate crimes & homogeneity of the Hate crimes & homogeneity of the

outgroupoutgroup• A call for tolerance (decreasing prejudice)A call for tolerance (decreasing prejudice)



Altruistic TendenciesAltruistic Tendencies• Note: Toward the ingroup!Note: Toward the ingroup!• Boosts S.E.!Boosts S.E.!• Establishes sense of controlEstablishes sense of control

Control = securityControl = security

Need for HeroesNeed for Heroes• UA Flt 93UA Flt 93


Why So Scared?Why So Scared?

We should be more insecure about We should be more insecure about cancer, heart disease, auto accident, cancer, heart disease, auto accident, etc.etc.• But we have been embedded in a But we have been embedded in a

worldview that protects us from these worldview that protects us from these threats all our lives.threats all our lives.

• Images that are vivid are more Images that are vivid are more available; judged more likely to occur!available; judged more likely to occur!


Roots of Islamic Roots of Islamic TerrorismTerrorism

Chapter 7Chapter 7


Eliminating Terrorism: Eliminating Terrorism: Some Dead End ApproachesSome Dead End Approaches

Reliance on the Stick: cycle of violenceReliance on the Stick: cycle of violence Fundamental Attribution Error: Attributing Fundamental Attribution Error: Attributing

their behavior to internal influencestheir behavior to internal influences• Their violence is due to their evil nature Their violence is due to their evil nature • Our violence is driven by the situationOur violence is driven by the situation• Mirror imagingMirror imaging

Political Ideology & PolarizationPolitical Ideology & Polarization• Right wing: peace through strengthRight wing: peace through strength• Left wing: peace through cooperationLeft wing: peace through cooperation


Roots of the Problem:Roots of the Problem: Why the Hatred? Why the Hatred?

Is religion the root cause?Is religion the root cause?• Maybe: Belief in afterlife encourages Maybe: Belief in afterlife encourages

suicide bombers and military suicide bombers and military conscription because death is not an conscription because death is not an endend

• But: Some Christians helped Jews But: Some Christians helped Jews escape from Nazis, etc.escape from Nazis, etc.

• Also, many examples where massive Also, many examples where massive group violence is not religiously drivengroup violence is not religiously driven



TMT: Protection of world viewTMT: Protection of world view• We derogate those whose views are We derogate those whose views are

different from our viewsdifferent from our views• True believer revisited: when you have True believer revisited: when you have

the ultimate truth, itthe ultimate truth, it’’s a sacred duty to s a sacred duty to fight for itfight for it

DemocracyDemocracy CapitalismCapitalism ChristianityChristianity ScienceScience Pyszczynski et al., 2003


TMT: Protection of world view (cont.)TMT: Protection of world view (cont.)• Why we push our views: increase Why we push our views: increase

consensus in our world view, increase consensus in our world view, increase securitysecurity

• Zero-sum thinking: The ultimate riskZero-sum thinking: The ultimate risk My groupMy group’’s continued existence depends on s continued existence depends on

wiping out your groupwiping out your group


TMT and Islamic TerrorismTMT and Islamic Terrorism The threat of modernity and secularization versus The threat of modernity and secularization versus

traditional values and the sacredtraditional values and the sacred• Separation of Church and stateSeparation of Church and state• Note: there are Muslim and Christian Note: there are Muslim and Christian

extremists who see a battle between good and extremists who see a battle between good and evilevil

• Modernity also means materialism, womenModernity also means materialism, women’’s s rights, Western media and entertainmentrights, Western media and entertainment


US ActionsUS Actions American support for Israel American support for Israel

• UN created Israel in 1948UN created Israel in 1948• Both Jews and Arabs (Muslims, Palestinians) Both Jews and Arabs (Muslims, Palestinians)

have legit claims to the same landhave legit claims to the same land US Economic and Military PoliciesUS Economic and Military Policies

• Presence of military bases in the Middle EastPresence of military bases in the Middle East• War on IraqWar on Iraq• Protection of oil fieldsProtection of oil fields


In the Wake of 9/11In the Wake of 9/11

Chapter 9Chapter 9


In the Wake of 9/11: A RecapIn the Wake of 9/11: A Recap

1. Our cognitive capability allows us to realize death 1. Our cognitive capability allows us to realize death is inevitable is inevitable

2. This could lead to debilitating terror2. This could lead to debilitating terror

3. But culture gives us 3. But culture gives us ““death-denyingdeath-denying”” beliefs such beliefs such as the prospect of aas the prospect of an afterlife, children, n afterlife, children, great influences, etc.great influences, etc.

4. These beliefs are based on social consensus4. These beliefs are based on social consensus


A Recap (Cont.)A Recap (Cont.)5. The existence of other cultural worldviews (cherished 5. The existence of other cultural worldviews (cherished

values) is threatening to our securityvalues) is threatening to our security

6. The threat creates unconscious anxiety that is projected 6. The threat creates unconscious anxiety that is projected onto onto ““outgroupoutgroup”” members members

7. Then we develop outgroup enmity and may even aggress 7. Then we develop outgroup enmity and may even aggress on them and see on them and see ““themthem”” as evil. Our choices are to as evil. Our choices are to

• Change them or eliminate them!Change them or eliminate them!

8. Outgroups are sometimes scapegoats (i.e., blamed but 8. Outgroups are sometimes scapegoats (i.e., blamed but not the source of the threat)not the source of the threat)

9. At the same time, we develop ingroup amity 9. At the same time, we develop ingroup amity

• favoring those who defend out cherished views favoring those who defend out cherished views

• seeking proximity with our ownseeking proximity with our own


Recap: Moderating Variables that Recap: Moderating Variables that buffer worldview defensebuffer worldview defense

10. 150 studies demonstrate the anxiety-buffering 10. 150 studies demonstrate the anxiety-buffering properties of self-esteemproperties of self-esteem

Both dispositional (trait) and situational (state) Both dispositional (trait) and situational (state) SESE

11. Liberal attitudes11. Liberal attitudes

12. Tolerance12. Tolerance

13. Secure attachments13. Secure attachments


Recap: Psychological DefensesRecap: Psychological Defenses

14. When mortality is conscious, proximal 14. When mortality is conscious, proximal

psychological defenses are activated to psychological defenses are activated to

reduce conscious awareness of deathreduce conscious awareness of death Distractions, denying vulnerability, Distractions, denying vulnerability,

distancingdistancing

15. When death thoughts are accessible but 15. When death thoughts are accessible but

not conscious, distal psychological not conscious, distal psychological

defenses are activateddefenses are activated Worldview defense, self-esteem strivingWorldview defense, self-esteem striving


Applications of the Theory:Applications of the Theory:In the Wake of 9/11In the Wake of 9/11

TMT: 9/11 = mortality salienceTMT: 9/11 = mortality salience Hatred of AmericansHatred of Americans

• Mere existence of Western civilization (a Mere existence of Western civilization (a rival worldview) is threatening to Muslimsrival worldview) is threatening to Muslims

• Therefore, ingroup amity, and outgroup Therefore, ingroup amity, and outgroup enmityenmity

• Goal: Eliminate the West and create a Goal: Eliminate the West and create a more perfect world more perfect world


US PerspectiveUS Perspective

Black/White thinkingBlack/White thinking Political conservativesPolitical conservatives

• Israelis: must support them, our ally, Israelis: must support them, our ally, only democracy in Middle Eastonly democracy in Middle East

• Palestinians: Bloodthirsty terroristsPalestinians: Bloodthirsty terrorists Political liberalsPolitical liberals

• Israelis: we give too much support to the Israelis: we give too much support to the bully, guilty of ethnic cleansingbully, guilty of ethnic cleansing

• Palestinians: Poor and oppressedPalestinians: Poor and oppressed


The Rock and the Hard PlaceThe Rock and the Hard Place

True believers: No question about my True believers: No question about my belief system; right and wrong are belief system; right and wrong are clear; my way or the highwayclear; my way or the highway

Relativists: Truth is relative to which Relativists: Truth is relative to which side youside you’’re on; there are many sides re on; there are many sides to truth; right and wrong are socially to truth; right and wrong are socially constructed constructed


Pyszczynski et al., (2008)Pyszczynski et al., (2008)

violence: sources & consequences

Documents

collective narratives

particular group

potent motivating forcebartal

social group

andor genocidestaub

abscollective memorysocially

destructive acts

acts of enemy satisfying