in-group favoritism

In-group favoritism refers to the tendency for people to give more positive attention, support, and preference to those who belong to their own group, such as friends, family, or social categories they identify with. This bias often leads to viewing in-group members more favorably, trusting them more, and sometimes acting unfairly towards outsiders or out-group members. It is a natural psychological tendency that helps build social bonds but can also contribute to prejudice and discrimination when it causes unfair treatment based solely on group membership.