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Love thy neighbour: Social identity and public support for humanitarian aid

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  • Linda Alvarez
  • Constantine Boussalis
  • Jennifer L. Merolla
  • Caryn A. Peiffer

Abstract

Humanitarian aid can be contentious. Should finite national resources be sacrificed to serve the needy abroad? Social identity theorists argue that identification with a superordinate group, in this case the larger world community, should increase individual support for policies such as international humanitarian assistance. However, individuals can simultaneously associate with multiple identities. How does the combination of world and national identities affect support for humanitarian assistance? Using cross‐national survey data, we find evidence that support for international humanitarian aid is highest among those with a strong world identity and weak national identity relative to other identity combinations, though even those with a strong world identity and strong national identity can be supportive of aid.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda Alvarez & Constantine Boussalis & Jennifer L. Merolla & Caryn A. Peiffer, 2018. "Love thy neighbour: Social identity and public support for humanitarian aid," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(S2), pages 935-953, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:36:y:2018:i:s2:p:o935-o953
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12329
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Spencer Henson & John‐Michael Davis & Liam Swiss, 2022. "Understanding public support for Canadian aid to developing countries: The role of information," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 40(1), January.

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