Bosnia and Herzegovina: Does Social Tolerance of Marginalised Groups Matter for Reconciliation with Outgroups? Implications for Divided Societies
Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Moldova, Ukraine Source: Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development Please refer to the attached file. Alexander Guest Bernabe Daniel Martinez Kateryna Ivashchenko-Stadnik Sabina Cehajic-Clancy Building reconciliation, reducing prejudice and fostering positive attitudes between social groups that have been in conflict is a complex challenge—one that becomes even more difficult in contexts affected by violent conflict or war (Bar-Tal, 2007). In such settings, intergroup tensions and entrenched prejudices not only persist between conflict-related groups but often extend to other marginalised communities as well (Hewstone et al., 2006). Efforts to improve attitudes toward conflict-related groups are frequently hampered by enduring hostilities and structural barriers, such as physical separation and limited opportunities for contact (Hewstone et al., 2006; McKeown & Psaltis, 2017). Research has consistently shown that direct contact between members of opposing groups can be a powerful mechanism for reducing prejudice and fostering reconciliation (Allport, 1954; Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). However, in contexts where intergroup contact is limited, what alternative pathways are available to peacebuilding practitioners and policymakers seeking to foster reconciliation? This paper explores an alternative entry point for improving attitudes between groups that have been in conflict, beyond intergroup contact. Specifically, it examines whether social tolerance toward marginalised groups (immigrants, Jews, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Roma communities) is linked to attitudes toward conflict-related outgroups (for example between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots). Marginalised groups are often perceived to be less entangled in conflict dynamics, particularly if they are assumed to be part of the ethnic or religious ingroup. Thus, building tolerance and acceptance towards them may be a more accessible and less controversial starting point for improving attitudes with the conflict-related outgroup. The paper examines the hypothesis that in conflict- and war-affected contexts, attitudes toward non-conflict-related groups and those toward conflict-related groups are strongly interrelated, potentially due to a generalisation of positive attitudes from one group to another (Pettigrew, 1997; Tausch et al., 2010). Specifically, it investigates whether social tolerance towards marginalised groups is a predictor of positive attitudes towards conflict-related outgroups, even after accounting for contact with conflict-related outgroups, a well-established predictor of improved intergroup attitudes (Allport, 1954). If this is the case, then working on social tolerance towards such marginalised groups within one of the conflicting communities becomes a compelling method for building reconciliation across conflict communities, albeit indirectly. To test this hypothesis, the analysis draws on social survey data from the Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Index (SCORE)1 across four conflict-affected countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina2, Cyprus3, Moldova4, and Ukraine5. Attitudes toward non-conflict-related groups are assessed through views on immigrants, Jews, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Roma communities, while attitudes toward conflict-related groups are measured through perceptions of groups on opposing sides of the conflict in each country6. The findings validate this hypothesis, which suggests an actionable pathway for peacebuilding in divided societies. Fostering social tolerance of marginalised groups can indirectly strengthen intergroup relations across conflict divides, particularly in contexts where direct contact between conflict groups is constrained. This means that social inclusion is not only socially desirable, but a strategically relevant contributor to peacebuilding by improving intergroup relations in divided societies. Furthermore, as the countries studied are located on the fringes of the European Union, these insights are directly relevant for EU stakeholders working on social cohesion and stabilisation. Findings of this paper aim to inform peacebuilding stakeholders interested in reconciliation in divided societies, but also those actors working on social inclusion of marginalised groups. Data on the levels of acceptance of marginalised groups is useful for those who want to compare and monitor their levels in such countries. Results and conclusions from the analysis are relevant for those interested in new evidence-based strategies for reconciliation and a more inclusive peacebuilding agenda. The first section of this paper outlines the contexts of each of the countries where data were used for this analysis. Section 2 presents social survey data on the levels of social tolerance of marginalised groups. In section 3, the link between acceptance of marginalised groups and positive attitudes towards conflict-related outgroups is discussed. The final section outlines some recommendations for peacebuilding practitioners in divided societies.
Oct 7, 2026 · byReliefWeb
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