Love thy neighbour: Social identity and public support for humanitarian aid. (24th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alvarez, Linda; Boussalis, Constantine; Merolla, Jennifer L.; Peiffer, Caryn A.
• Is Part Of: Development policy review. Volume 36(2018:Mar.)Supplement 2
• Page Start: O935
• Page End: O953
• Publication Date: 2018-07-24
• Subjects: international aid -- public opinion -- social identity theory; Developing countries -- Economic policy -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.91
• DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12329
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-6764

Abstract

Abstract: Humanitarian aid can be contentious. Should finite national resources be sacrificed to serve the needy abroad? Social identity theorists argue that identification with a superordinate group, in this case the larger world community, should increase individual support for policies such as international humanitarian assistance. However, individuals can simultaneously associate with multiple identities. How does the combination of world and national identities affect support for humanitarian assistance? Using cross‐national survey data, we find evidence that support for international humanitarian aid is highest among those with a strong world identity and weak national identity relative to other identity combinations, though even those with a strong world identity and strong national identity can be supportive of aid.