In-group favoritism refers to the psychological tendency of individuals to favor members of their own social group over those from outside groups. This cognitive bias manifests in various aspects of daily life, including decision-making, social interactions, and resource allocation. It can lead to unfair treatment of out-group members and can exacerbate intergroup conflicts.
A well-known example of in-group favoritism is seen in sports fans, where supporters of a particular team may irrationally favor players from their team and disparage players from rival teams regardless of their abilities or performance. For instance, a fan might argue that their team's player is the best in the league while dismissing evidence to the contrary about the rival team's player.
To counter in-group favoritism, individuals should actively seek to engage with diverse groups and perspectives, challenge their own biases, and develop empathy for out-group members. Awareness of this bias and its effects on behavior is crucial in fostering inclusive attitudes and actions.