Ethnic stereotypes among Bosniak and Serbian youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Main Author: Turjačanin Vladimir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Drustvo Psihologa Srbije 2004-01-01
• Series: Psihologija
• Subjects: ethnic stereotypes; ethnic attitudes; intergroup relations
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0048-5705/2004/0048-57050403357T.pdf

This research, which used a sample of 407 members of both Bosniak and Serb nationality in Sarajevo and Banja Luka, analyzes the structure and content of ethnic stereotypes of Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth. The results reveal significant negative stereotypes of Bosniak and Serb youth toward one another, but also show conspicuous similarities regarding their stereotypes toward other ethnic groups. The concluding remarks set forth theoretical and pragmatic consequences of the results obtained. It can be concluded that people are clearly divided into groups based on the ethnicity criterion. This, substantiated by the earlier history of conflict, creates perceptions and assessments saturated by negative attributes, and can lead to potential conflicts in future. The research suggests that possible solution lies in a conflict resolution education, greater interethnic communication.