Horizontal hostility: Relations between similar minority groups

Two studies were conducted to examine the relations between similar minorit y groups. We predicted that minority group members would show horizontal ho stility, a form of prejudice, against members of a similar, but move mainst ream, minority group. The results of both studies confirmed this hypothesis . In Study I, members of 3 Jewish congregations (reform, conservative, orth odox) showed prejudice against a member of a similar but slightly more secu lar congregation. In Study 2, members of a college varsity soccer team show ed prejudice against junior varsity players. We conclude by suggesting that horizontal hostility is the result of social changes since Allport (1954) wrote The Nature of Prejudice. Members of minority groups value their minor ity social identity, even when the group is stigmatized. The positive value of minority social identity causes group members to look down on members o f similar, more mainstream groups.