Abstract:
Intergroup relation perspectives stem from research in Western contexts with clear distinctions between the dominant and
nondominant groups. In South Africa, with at least 13 different cultural groups and 11 official languages, no group is dominant in all
life spheres. We examine the relationship between identity and in-/out-group orientation across Black-Zulu, Coloured (mixed
racial ancestry), Indian, and White-Afrikaans emerging adults (N ¼ 390; 75% females, Mage ¼ 19.97 years, SD ¼ 2.44). Results
indicate that personal identity for all groups and ethnic identity for Black-Zulu, Indian, and White-Afrikaans emerging adults were
important for intergroup relations. Black-Zulu, Coloured, and Indian emerging adults distinguish themselves less from others,
whereas White-Afrikaans emerging adults are less open to others. Ultimately, the complexity of intergroup relations in South
Africa has implications for the effective transformation interventions needed to counter experiences of threat and make group
boundaries more flexible for emerging adults.
