Intergroup relations, identification and social influence

Abstract

This paper reviews the research which introduces the intergroup dimension into the study of social influence processes, those of minorities in particular. After discussing the complexity of the intergroup context that presides over the diffusion of an innovation, the authors propose that social influence, categorization and identification processes can be integrated into a conceptual framework. It is shown that dominated entities, be they minorities or simply out‐groups, possess an essential ability to induce and negotiate social conflict through their behavioural and negotiation styles despite their being discriminated against. It is also shown that the minority which is confronted with such discrimination exerts an influence that is often indirect and latent, in the form of a conversion.