Narcissism of small/minor differences

Edited book (chapter)


Breda, Vito. 2026. "Narcissism of small/minor differences ." Sardoc, Mitja (ed.) Encyclopedia of Diversity. Switzerland. Springer. pp. 1-9
Chapter Title

Narcissism of small/minor differences

Book Chapter CategoryEdited book (chapter)
ERA Publisher ID3337
Book TitleEncyclopedia of Diversity
AuthorsBreda, Vito
EditorsSardoc, Mitja
Page Range1-9
Number of Pages9
Year2026
PublisherSpringer
Place of PublicationSwitzerland
ISBN9783031615580
9783031615597
Web Address (URL)https://link.springer.com/book/9783031615580
Abstract

The narcissism of minor differences is a type of cognitive dissonance that affects individuals or groups. Those affected believed that minor differences in physical or social characteristics are linked to a moral deficiency. Intolerance of such variations, which may be associated with stereotyping, may escalate into inter-group hostility, discrimination, and, in rare cases, violence. Civil wars or border disputes that foster wars are frequently linked to the narcissism of minor differences. This encyclopaedia entry is divided into two parts. The first part discussed the exegesis of the narcissism of minor differences as a theoretical concept. The second summarises recent studies that connect collective narcissism with discriminatory policies, populism, and violence.
The narcissism of minor differences as a collective cognitive dissonance
The term 'narcissism of minor differences was first used with current meaning by Sigmund Freud (1957, p. 199, 2015, p. V, 2018, pp. 31–32). It has since been used to explain the escalation of hostilities between ethnic groups (Spolaore and Wacziarg 2016), political parties (Bauman 1999; de Zavala et al. 2009), and corporations (Smith 2010). However, narcissism minor differences is most commonly associated with nationalism and ethnic conflicts (Ignatieff 1999).

Keywordsnarcissism of minor differences; ethnic vioence; group discrimination
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520501. Community psychology
480799. Public law not elsewhere classified
500104. Human rights and justice issues (excl. law)
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Byline AffiliationsSchool of Law and Justice
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