The Neuroscience of Tribalism

co-authored with Katrina Hardie

The brain plays a significant role in our cognitive, emotional, and social functions. One fascinating aspect of the brain is its inherent social nature. We are wired to thrive in social contexts and seek connections with others. Neuroscientists have extensively studied this phenomenon and identified several neural mechanisms that underlie our social behavior. In this post, we will delve into the neuroscience of tribalism and why the brain is considered an integral part of our tribal nature.

How tribalism connects with neuroscience

Tribalism refers to humans forming social groups and identifying with them, driven by shared identity, values, and goals. The neuroscience of tribalism investigates the neural mechanisms underlying our social behavior. Jay Van Bavel's research has revealed that perceiving others as part of our group activates the brain's reward system, fostering loyalty and preference. Tania Singer's research has demonstrated that perceiving others as part of our group activates the brain's empathy circuit, promoting compassion and cooperation. These findings highlight how our brains naturally seek social connections, contributing to tribalism (Van Bavel et al., Science; Singer et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).

The brain's tribal nature stems from the importance of social behavior for human survival and evolution as explained by Teyssandier N. (2008). Our ancestors lived in small groups, necessitating cooperation, coordination, and the development of social skills like communication, empathy, and cooperation, all favored by natural selection.

The role of group identity in brain function

Research demonstrates the significant impact of group identity on brain function. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies reveal that symbols associated with our groups, like team logos or political emblems, activate reward centers in the brain. A study conducted at UCLA observed increased activity in the ventral striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, regions associated with reward and value processing. These findings suggest that the brain perceives group identity as rewarding and valuable, shedding light on the neural mechanisms of tribalism. Additionally, the release of oxytocin and vasopressin affects sensory information processing, enhancing social recognition memory and further linking group identity to pleasurable and rewarding experiences (Dluzen et al., 1998a).

Mirror neurons are also thought to play a crucial role in social cognition and may be involved in developing empathy and social bonding. Giacomo Rizzolatti first discovered these specialized cells in the brain—which activate not only when we perform an action but also when we observe someone else doing the same—in the 1990s. In his 2011 book, Mirrors in the Brain: How Our Minds Share Actions, Emotions, and Experience, he explains the role of mirror neurons in social cognition and empathy. Mirror neurons in the premotor cortex and inferior parietal lobule facilitate understanding others' intentions and emotions, promoting empathy. They are vital for social cognition, including imitation, social learning, and predicting behavior. Mirror neurons also foster social bonds, synchronizing our actions and generating shared emotions, enhancing social interaction.

Other researchers, such as Marco Lacoboni (2009), have used fMRI to study the neural mechanisms underlying empathy and social bonding. In their study, Lacoboni's team found that when participants watched a video of someone they perceived as part of their group, there was increased activity in brain regions associated with reward and social cognition, such as the ventral striatum and the right inferior frontal gyrus. This suggests that our brains are wired to reward us for social behavior reinforcing our tribal identity.

In-group/out-group bias

In-group/out-group bias is a well-studied phenomenon. Molenberghs, P., (2018) refers to the tendency of individuals to favor members of their group and discriminate against members of other groups. This bias can lead to intergroup conflict, hostility, and violence. An important study by Molenberghs and Louis (2018) explains that bias is associated with activation in the amygdala, a brain region involved in emotional processing and fear.

For instance, a study by Lieberman et al. (2005) found that when participants viewed the faces of individuals from their own racial group, the amygdala was less active than when they viewed the faces of individuals from other racial groups, suggesting a heightened emotional response to out-group members. This bias may have evolutionary roots, as it might have facilitated group survival and cohesion in ancient times. However, it can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and social injustice in modern society.

Oxytocin has been extensively studied for its role in social behavior, particularly social bonding and group identity. Produced in response to positive social cues and touch, oxytocin has been linked to increased feelings of trust, cooperation, and empathy, making it a key component of social bonding. However, Baumgartner, T. et al (2008). have also shown that oxytocin can contribute to bias, leading to favoritism toward one's own group. This dual nature of oxytocin highlights the complexity of social behavior and neuroscience's role in shaping it.

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Neuroplasticity and cultural influence

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's adaptive capacity influenced by experiences and culture. Cultural neuroscience demonstrates the bidirectional relationship between the brain and culture, with distinct neural activation patterns during social interactions among individuals from different cultures. Understanding the neural mechanisms behind tribalism and social behavior enables us to build inclusive societies that embrace diversity and foster empathy. Recognizing the malleability of the social brain empowers us to strive for a more interconnected world, enriching our understanding of human cognition and behavior.