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Beyond In-Groups: Can We Evolve Past Prejudice?

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Elliot Brynn in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how cooperation and learning can reduce bias, offering hope for a more inclusive future."


Prejudice casts a long shadow on human interactions, fueling discrimination, division, and even violence across societies. While often viewed as a deeply ingrained aspect of human behavior, recent research offers a glimmer of hope. Scientists are exploring the dynamics of how prejudice forms, how it spreads, and, crucially, how it can be mitigated. This research suggests that by understanding the factors that drive prejudice, we can develop strategies to foster greater cooperation and inclusivity.

One promising area of study focuses on the concept of "prejudicial groups," where membership is based on shared biases toward those outside the group. Researchers use computer simulations to model how these groups evolve and interact, examining the interplay between cooperation and prejudice. These models reveal that prejudice isn't static; it's influenced by factors like how groups interact with each other, how they learn, and the diversity of the overall population.

By understanding these dynamics, researchers aim to identify levers for change. Can we design interventions that promote cooperation across group lines? Can we create environments that discourage the formation of prejudicial attitudes? The answers to these questions hold the key to building more equitable and harmonious societies.

How Do Prejudicial Groups Emerge?

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The study highlights how easily prejudicial groups can form, even among simple agents with limited cognitive abilities. This suggests that prejudice isn't necessarily dependent on sophisticated human reasoning but can arise from basic mechanisms of group formation and social comparison. Imagine a group of people who share a negative view about another group. This shared bias becomes a "tag" that identifies them as belonging to the same group.

The research uses a computational model where agents interact through indirect reciprocity, meaning they are more likely to help those who have helped them or others in their group. The simulations show that cooperation and prejudice can co-evolve, with individuals favoring those within their own group. These findings emphasizes the idea that in-group favoritism doesn't necessarily mean out-group hate. The research stresses the importance of understanding how these two concepts are very much socially intertwined.

  • In-group Favoritism: Helping fellow group members.
  • Out-group Prejudice: Hostility towards those outside the group.
  • The danger: Prejudice acts as a barrier to broader social connection and opportunity.
These simulations also explore how different social structures impact the spread of prejudice. The researchers found that when interactions with out-groups and opportunities for global learning are limited, prejudice tends to thrive. Conversely, societies that encourage diverse interactions and prioritize understanding of broader community goals are more likely to see cooperation flourish and prejudice diminish. This highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where people from different backgrounds can connect and learn from each other.

What Can We Do to Foster Inclusivity?

These findings suggest that reducing prejudice requires a multifaceted approach. Encouraging diverse interactions, promoting global learning, and fostering a sense of shared identity are all important steps. By creating environments where people from different backgrounds can connect, learn from each other, and work together towards common goals, we can begin to break down the barriers of prejudice and build more inclusive societies. Further research into the dynamics of prejudice and cooperation can provide valuable insights for creating a more just and equitable world for all.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

How do prejudicial groups form?

Prejudicial groups emerge because of shared biases among individuals towards those outside their immediate group. This is shown in computational models. These models show that prejudicial groups can form even with limited cognitive ability. It demonstrates that prejudice can come from basic social comparison mechanisms rather than complex human reasoning. This highlights how easily biases can form and solidify within a population.

2

Why is the interplay between cooperation and prejudice important?

The interplay between cooperation and prejudice is significant because simulations show they can co-evolve. Cooperation, specifically indirect reciprocity, where individuals help those who have helped them or others in their group, can reinforce in-group favoritism. However, this doesn't necessarily mean out-group hate, but it can act as a barrier to broader social connection and opportunity. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for creating strategies to reduce prejudice.

3

What are in-group favoritism and out-group prejudice, and why are they dangerous?

In-group favoritism is helping fellow group members, while out-group prejudice is hostility towards those outside the group. The danger is prejudice acts as a barrier to broader social connection and opportunity. The research stresses the importance of understanding how these two concepts are very much socially intertwined.

4

What steps can be taken to encourage inclusivity?

To foster inclusivity, you need a multifaceted approach. This includes encouraging diverse interactions, promoting global learning, and fostering a sense of shared identity. By creating environments where people from different backgrounds can connect, learn from each other, and work together towards common goals, we can begin to break down the barriers of prejudice and build more inclusive societies.

5

How do limited interactions and learning opportunities affect prejudice?

Limiting interactions with out-groups and restricting opportunities for global learning encourages prejudice to thrive. When people only interact with those similar to themselves, biases can be reinforced and misunderstandings can grow. Societies that encourage diverse interactions and prioritize understanding of broader community goals are more likely to see cooperation flourish and prejudice diminish. This emphasizes the importance of inclusive environments.

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