Final answer:
To preserve group superiority, strategies such as group polarization, discrimination, and ideology-based homophily are employed to reinforce in-group biases and decrease diversity. Understanding and combating these dynamics involve promoting inclusivity and ensuring a fair representation of all group members' opinions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strategies Used to Preserve Group Superiority
The concept of group superiority is often maintained through various strategies that reinforce in-group biases, ideologies, and homophily. These strategies include group polarization where the strengthening of the original group attitude occurs after discussing views within the group. This can lead to group decisions that are more extreme than individual members would make alone. Then there's discrimination, where the dominant group uses social norms, laws, and political power to deny the rights of others, preserving their own status and perpetuating victimization of less powerful groups.
Another key strategy involves promoting ideology-based homophily, the natural human tendency to form relationships and social networks with those who are similar. This contributes to homogenous groups that reinforce existing worldviews and decrease exposure to diversity, simultaneously undermining democratic principles like equality and fairness.
Understanding these dynamics can inform efforts to prevent exclusion and promote inclusivity. Strategies to combat these issues include encouraging diverse group formation, ensuring all voices within a group are heard, seeking external opinions, and fostering critical thinking that accounts for a variety of perspectives.