Abstract

The current study examined the interplay between superordinate category (i. e., ‘Ethnic Han’) complexity and superordinate ingroup identification on outgroup (North Koreans) tolerance and support for intergroup integration amongst South Koreans. Category complexity reflects the extent to which the category contains distinctive and equally representative subgroups. We hypothesized that individuals’ superordinate ingroup identification positively predicts outgroup tolerance when the superordinate category is perceived as complex rather than simple in its representational structure. In addition, we expected that this effect would positively predict outgroup tolerance, which in turn, positively predicts behavioral intentions for intergroup integration. In a laboratory experiment involving South Korean undergraduates (N = 124), we measured participants’ level of identification with the superordinate category and manipulated the superordinate category complexity (high vs. low). Results indicated, as expected, that in the high superordinate category complexity condition, superordinate ingroup identification positively predicted outgroup tolerance. When category complexity was low, there was no significant relationship between superordinate ingroup identification and outgroup tolerance. Further, outgroup tolerance mediated the interaction effect between the superordinate category complexity and the ingroup identification on behavioral intentions for intergroup integration. We discussed the role of superordinate category complexity and superordinate ingroup identification in establishing harmonious and integrative subgroup relationships between the two Koreas.