Abstract

Discrimination is one and the most frequent outcome of intergroup relations. Recently, scholars' attention has been attracted by a dramatic discrimination form characterized by the deprivation or denial of humanity of the Others, that is, dehumanisation. In this review, theoretical models addressing the processes at the basis of intergroup relations will be presented focussing particularly of different levels of self-categorisation. Then, with reference to the specific phenomenon of dehumanisation, processes and contents of this "aggravated" form of discrimination will be addressed. Implications of different levels of categorisation will be discussed in order to identify conditions under which dehumanisation can occur.