Part 6/9:
When both aingroup and outgroup members show remorse after harming the child, children tend to prefer the transgressor who shows remorse, regardless of their group affiliation. Interestingly, even if the ingroup member does not show remorse, a remorseful outgroup member can still be preferred. This indicates that actions and emotional expressions such as remorse can override group biases, highlighting the importance of personal moral behavior over mere group identity.
Vaish emphasizes that when we apologize and show remorse outside of our group, we communicate a recognition of shared humanity and respect. This act can bridge divides, foster trust, and promote positive interactions between different groups—an essential process for social cohesion.