Tribalism refers to the strong sense of belonging and identification that individuals feel towards their group, often at the expense of other groups. This phenomenon can be seen in various forms throughout human history, from ancient tribes to modern political parties. It is a human tendency to form groups based on shared characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, language, and culture. Discussions about tribalism can be controversial because of the potential for misinterpretation or misuse. Some people may use the concept of tribalism to justify discrimination and exclusion based on race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics. It is important to approach discussions of tribalism with an open mind and to carefully consider the nuances of the topic to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or biases.

One of the key characteristics of tribalism is the strong sense of belonging and identity that it fosters within a group. This can be beneficial in terms of creating a sense of unity and cooperation within a group, as it provides individuals with a sense of belonging and common purpose. This sense of belonging can also increase the feeling of security, especially in times of crisis. Group membership can also provide individuals with access to resources and opportunities that may not be available to them as individuals.

However, the downside of tribalism is that it can lead to prejudice and discrimination against those outside of the group. This can manifest in various forms, from simple exclusion to more severe forms of violence and persecution. For example, in war situations, people may be willing to harm or even kill members of other groups to protect or advance the interests of their own. This is partly due to the psychological process of "in-group bias," where individuals tend to favor their group and discriminate against out-group members.

Tribalism can also be a powerful force in politics, as individuals may be more likely to support political candidates or policies that align with their own group's interests rather than those that are objectively in the best interest of society as a whole. This can lead to divisive and polarizing politics, as well as a lack of compromise and cooperation between different groups. Political tribalism is a phenomenon where individuals' political beliefs and actions are primarily driven by loyalty to their group rather than by reason or evidence. This can lead to the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarian leaders. 

Another negative aspect of tribalism is the way it can fuel conflicts between different groups. This can take many forms, from small-scale disputes between rival gangs to large-scale wars between nations. In these situations, individuals may be willing to harm or even kill members of other groups to protect or advance the interests of their own. This type of conflict can be particularly destructive as it often targets civilians, causing widespread suffering and displacement.

Here is an article that defines and describes Tribalism: Tribalism is Human Nature

Connections to education: 

• Tribalism can present in different ways in the U.S. educational system. In the elementary setting, children can create their own "tribes" or cliques that make them naturally divide from each other. 
• In the secondary setting, political tribalism begins to seep in and can create further division with political tribes being incorporated. 

Quiz Questions

True or False:

2) The strong sense of belonging and identity fostered by tribalism is always negative.

1. A. True
2. B. False

1) Tribalism is the tendency for individuals to identify strongly with their group at the expense of other groups.

1. A. True
2. B. False

3) Select all that apply: Which of the following are negative consequences of tribalism?

1. A. Fueling conflicts between different groups.
2. B. Erosion of democracy
3. C. Preservation of cultural traditions
4. D. Increase in the sense of security

4) What is the psychological process that explains the tendency of individuals to favor their group and discriminate against out-group members?

1. 1. A. In-group bias
   2. B. Prejudice
   3. C. Out-group bias
   4. D. Discrimination

Key thinkers in Tribalism: 

• Malcolm Gladwell 
• Henri Tajfel

References

· https://cpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.uci.edu/dist/1/863/files/2019/10/Clark-et-al-2019.pdf

· https://dro.dur.ac.uk/28942/1/28942.pdf

· https://opentextbc.ca/socialpsychology/chapter/ingroup-favoritism-and-prejudice/

https://bpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.uci.edu/dist/1/863/files/2019/10/Clark-et-al-2019.pdf