What is Tribalism?

Tribalism refers to a strong loyalty to one’s own social group, often leading to exclusion or distrust of outsiders. While a natural human tendency, excessive tribalism can fuel prejudice, conflict, and social division.

Symptoms

• Extreme “us vs. them” mentality
• Resistance to differing viewpoints
• Blind loyalty to group beliefs
• Hostility toward outsiders or critics

Causes and Risk Factors

• Evolutionary survival mechanisms favoring group cohesion
• Social, cultural, or religious indoctrination
• Fear of loss of identity or status
• Perceived threats from other groups

Diagnosis

Tribalism is a sociological and psychological phenomenon rather than a medical disorder, so it is not clinically diagnosed.

Treatment and Management

• Critical thinking development
• Exposure to diverse perspectives
• Open dialogue and empathy-building activities
• Therapy for underlying fears or insecurity if needed

Prognosis and Outlook

Awareness and education can help reduce unhealthy tribalistic behaviors, although societal change requires collective effort.