Dis-Embedded Identity of Majority Members: The Case of Catholics in Poland

In this article, we focus on the process of dis-embedded identification (the accentuation and prioritization of the identification with a particular subordinate ingroup relative to the identification with the relevant superordinate ingroup) among majority members and examine possible antecedents and consequences. To this end, we conducted research with Catholics in Poland. We hypothesized societal respect for Catholics would negatively predict dis-embedded identification, whereas intragroup respect would positively predict dis-embedded identification—especially under the condition of lacking societal respect. We further hypothesized dis-embedded identification to positively predict the pursuit of hegemony. These hypotheses are mainly based on Honneth’s theory of recognition and Turner’s self-categorization theory. Employing a longitudinal research design and latent variable modeling, we obtained supporting evidence for our hypotheses. The implications for further research, especially on intergroup relations and politics in pluralizing societies, are discussed.