Evidence of Integrated Threat Theory Is Everywhere in Indiana Right Now

When a husband and wife team of social psychologists outlined the intergroup threat theory of prejudice in 2000, they were thinking primarily in terms of black and white race relations.

But the theory's principles can be applied to any two groups that hold prejudice or feel threatened by each other, its authors, Walter and Cookie Stephan, have said.

What's taking place in Indiana and across the country these days is surely an example.

Some quick definitions

In any situation in which the integrated threat theory can apply, there must be an "in-group" and an "out-group." The in-group feels the pressure caused by the out-group and responds, potentially causing a reaction from the out-group.

The threat theory is "integrated" with four parts:
- realistic threats: concerns held by the in-group about the out-group's ability to cause the in-group tangible harm
- symbolic threats: concerns held by the in-group about the out-group's ability to cause the in-group intangible harm
-intergroup anxiety: feelings experienced by members of the either group about the possibility of interacting with members of the other
-negative stereotypes: what they sound like, held by members of either group

Now, the theory seen in action

Anyone who has even glanced at social media in the last week has seen a barrage of attacks from each side against the other. Some even use the word "threat," though what constitutes the threat depends on who's talking.

But don't let Rep. Wesco mislead you. #RFRA is a REAL threat to the welfare of Hoosier children, via @AP: http://t.co/htnOdU4siJ #INLegis
— Freedom Indiana (@freedom_indiana) March 23, 2015

Liberals & Media Are Lying About Indiana's #ReligiousFreedom Law! #StandWithIndiana #RFRA Indiana. This is atheists attacking religion.
— Highlander (@Incogneato76) April 1, 2015

It all seems very simple, in the end.

Conservative Christians (the in-group) were worried about people of other faiths or lifestyles (the members of the out-group) infringing on their beliefs. That's a symbolic threat.

Lawmakers passed SB 101, which liberals viewed as both a symbolic and a realistic threat to the lifestyles of LGBT people. They fought back.

Governor Pence tried to prove he doesn't experience intergroup anxiety.

If I saw a restaurant owner refuse to serve a gay couple, I wouldn't eat there anymore. http://t.co/QCAPBfnJzL
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) March 30, 2015

Meanwhile, critics exploded with a wave of negative stereotypes about Indiana.

#BoycottIndiana pic.twitter.com/aXMrMPMMNj
— The Mad Asshatter (@CptnBlackbeard) March 31, 2015

A Sad Conclusion

Black-white race wars used to divide America. Now, that battle has largely been won. However, a different one is being waged.

As gay and straight people and their supporters exchange jabs on social media, it becomes more and more apparent that when each side feels threatened, it responds threatening the other.

The research tells us why we fight, but it doesn't answer the age old question: Why can't we all just get along?