AGE DIFFERENCES IN EVALUATIONS OF STRATEGIES OF SELF-PRESENTATION IN INTERGROUP RELATIONS

Abstract

Recent research has shown that a compromise between the norms of in-group bias and fair-mindedness is the rule and not an exception in intergroup perception. However, it is unknown whether such a compromise reflects on an internalized value or a deliberate attempt toward a positive self-presentation. The present study investigated whether the compromise strategy has become a social value in a multi­ cultural society of Singapore. Toward this goal, Chinese participants (N= 384) of 7 to 20 years of age were randomly assigned to one of the three strategies of self presentation: A Chinese was portrayed as (a) displaying an in-group bias on both social and intellectual attraction measures (Sbib), (b) displaying an in-group bias on social attraction but fairness on intellectual attraction measure (SbIf), and (c) displaying an in-group bias on intellectual attraction but fairness on social attraction measure (Sflb). Age of the participants was included to show a growing acceptance of the compromise strategy with age. Results showed that the compromise strategy was valued more than an in-group bias along both measures. That is, participants formed a more favorable impression of an in-group member showing a compromise between the norms of fairness and in-group bias than one showing an in-group bias. As hypothesized, the compromise strategy was valued more than an in-group bias strategy by the 11 to 20- year-olds. The youngest group of participants did not make any distinction between the three strategies of self presentation. The compromise strategy was well internalized by adulthood. Adults were able to distinguish between the two compromise strategies: Social fairness was valued more than intellectual fairness. Obviously, the compromise in intergroup relations has become an important Asian social value.