Dissent and deviance in intergroup contexts

• Deviance/dissent have different meanings and consequences in intergroup contexts.
• Intergroup contexts trigger reputational and definitional concerns within groups.
• These concerns often cause censuring of deviance and dissent in intergroup contexts.
• Despite this, deviance/dissent can help construct robust and smart group cultures.

Deviance and dissent have different meanings and consequences depending on whether they occur in an intragroup or an intergroup context. This paper reviews literature showing how the intergroup context triggers reputational and self-definitional concerns, and how these concerns influence evaluations of, and willingness to engage in, deviance and dissent. Much of the literature highlights the tendency for people to inhibit deviance and dissent when it is visible to outsiders, or when it takes place in the context of an intergroup competition for status. However, under certain circumstances, deviance and dissent can be constructive in terms of calling attention to group norms, increasing distinctiveness, triggering reform, and promoting a healthy and smart group culture.