Which concept refers to the tendency to favor one's own group over others?

The concept that refers to the tendency to favor one's own group over others is known as in-group bias. This psychological phenomenon occurs when individuals perceive their own group—the "in-group"—as superior or more favorable compared to other groups, which are termed "out-groups." In-group bias can manifest in various ways, such as preferential treatment of in-group members, positive assumptions about them, and a stronger emotional connection to them. Social identity theory supports this idea by stating that individuals derive part of their identity from the groups they belong to, leading to a natural inclination to evaluate their group positively and to exhibit favoritism towards its members.

This behavior is a fundamental aspect of social psychology and illustrates how group dynamics can influence perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors in social contexts. It is important to recognize in-group bias, as it can contribute to prejudicial attitudes and behaviors toward those who belong to out-groups.