Reply to Kasper et al. Identity threat is lower when supporting an opposing group member than an opposing group

Kasper et al.’s (1) findings that individuals prefer to benefit an opposing group member rather than harm an in-group member do not contradict our theory. We argue that individuals make decisions about which organization to support or oppose to protect their identity as a group member (2). Supporting an individual (vs. organization) that identifies with the opposing side may be less threatening to group identity. Furthermore, harming an in-group member (vs. organization) may be more at odds with one’s moral identity (3–5).
We test this in a replication of our prior findings and include a condition with Kasper et al.'s variation. Study participants (N = 394, MTurk) chose between subtracting $1 from a donation to an organization/individual on their side or adding $1 to an organization/individual on the opposing side.