INTERGROUP PERCEPTION OF AUTHORITIES AND POLITICAL OPPOSITION SUPPORTERS

Abstract

The paper covers the results of research of intergroup perception in the context of supporting of authorities. The author presents verbal portraits of authorities supporters and political opposition supporters in terms of in-group and outgroup beliefs. According to the research results there is a definite portrait of authorities supporters in the social consciousness, the perceptions of this group coincide among all the respondents. The only difference is the emotional attitude. On the contrary, the portrait of opposition supporters has fuzzy edges. Intergroup perceptions demonstrate lack of understanding of who those people are and what their values and motives are. Intergroup perception is fragmentary as well.