intergroup betrayal
Definition
Intergroup betrayal refers to feelings of hurt and violation that arise when members of one marginalized group perceive that members of another marginalized group have failed to uphold expectations of stigma-based solidarity, particularly in contexts where shared marginalization creates normative expectations of mutual support and loyalty. This phenomenon occurs when marginalized group members expect other marginalized groups to demonstrate cross-group solidarity and cooperative behavior, but instead perceive defection or opposition that violates these relational obligations. The intensity of betrayal depends on both the salience of shared marginalization and the degree to which the betraying group's behavior violates expectations for ingroup-like loyalty; violations of stigma-based solidarity expectations may be experienced as more acute betrayals than equivalent violations by advantaged outgroups. Betrayal in this context reduces trust in the betraying outgroup and correlates with diminished future solidarity intentions and cooperation, thereby threatening the viability of cross-group political coalitions.
Sources: Shackleford et al. (2026)
Related Terms
Applications
Intergroup Betrayal and Trust
Betrayal experienced in response to violations of stigma-based solidarity expectations is negatively correlated with trust in the betraying outgroup. The reduction in trust undermines cooperative relationships and future solidarity intentions between the marginalized groups involved.
Sources: Shackleford et al. (2026)
Intergroup Betrayal and Solidarity Intentions
Feelings of intergroup betrayal correlate with reduced willingness to engage in future solidarity with the group perceived as betraying expectations for stigma-based solidarity. This has implications for the sustainability of cross-group political alliances.
Sources: Shackleford et al. (2026)
Intergroup Betrayal and Expectations for Loyalty
Intergroup betrayal emerges when members of marginalized groups violate normative expectations of loyalty and mutual support based on their shared experience of societal marginalization. The salience of these expectations determines the magnitude of betrayal felt when marginalized group members fail to demonstrate solidarity.
Sources: Shackleford et al. (2026)
