ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the tendency to favour one's own group by imagining that its characteristic values are inherently better than those of other groups. While this may benefit feelings of positive esteem and social identity, it is also a recipe for discord and conflict between different groups and communities. Feelings of moral ingroup superiority can prevent group members from acknowledging and addressing negative outcomes of such intergroup conflicts. The reluctance to concede to the moral superiority of another group was demonstrated in a study among members of different student groups. Empirical research shows that moral values not only relate to perceived ingroup superiority but also to outgroup derogation. Because moral values indicate what groups consider right vs. wrong, there is an inherent trade-off between the values that characterize different groups. Simply claiming the 'right' moral values does not improve the group's moral image when this is not in line with its core goals and identity.
