Socio-psychological Characteristics of the Ethnic Distances in Youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Socio-psychological relations between social groups and among group members represent an important part of the psychological study of people worldwide. Ethnic attitudes, distances, prejudice and cooperation are some of the aspects of such relations, particularly interesting in B&H due to its specific social situation, burdened by the recent war, and everyday life, shaped by the ethnic borders. Social-psychological study of intergroup relations entails the study of social perception, feelings and behavior towards members of other groups, in relation to a relevant criterion which serves as a basis for group categorization. One should bear in mind that the study of intergroup relations also includes the study of interpersonal relations within a certain group, due to the very nature of the group, that is, ethnic categorizations which occur in a specific social context and exist in relation to other groups. Processes such as behavior, perception and feelings related to experiences within a group are largely studied within the field of social identity. Social identity processes are inextricably linked to intergroup relations, and the influence is mutual. A textbook definition of intergroup relations is found in Sherif (1962: 5), who claims that intergroup relations ‘refer to two or more groups and their respective members. Whenever individuals belonging to a group interact, collectively or individually, with another group or its members in terms of their group identification we have an instance of intergroup behavior.’

Within certain groups it may even be a piece of political wisdom to see to it that there be some enemies in order for the unity of the members to remain effective and for the group to remain conscious of this unity as its vital interest.

George Simmel, Conflict (1964)