PERceived threats, SOcial identity and cohesioN

This project aims to investigate how different perceived threats (social, natural, infectious, financial, and predatory) affect identity and social cohesion at different levels (local, national, and international). We all have identities as members of families, ethnic groups, and nations that foster our cooperation and cohesion with other group members. Depending on how we perceive different difficulties (economic, climate, potential war, infection, etc.), we rely more or less on group members for our life and survival. If we feel that association with a group is not beneficial, we change our perception of belonging to that group. In a complex geopolitical environment, such changes can have a significant impact on politics and our ability to respond to social crises such as war and immigration. Therefore, this project aims to investigate how different threats can affect social identities, as the basis of social cohesion. The goal of this project is not only to gain an understanding of what causes identity changes but also when and how identities change in ways that lead to changes in social cohesion and even extremism. This research will provide valuable insights for improving social cohesion in today’s multicultural European society. The principal investigator is dr, sc. Igor Mikloušić, with teammembers dr. sc. Tomislav Pavlović, D. Phil., Justin E. Lane, dr.sc. LeRon Shults, dr.sc. Katherine O’Lone, dr.sc. Josh Bullock, dr.sc. Pavol Kosnač