This is an essay on how public opinion could be changed in the direction of social cohesion. The essay reflects on the knowledge gained from empirical studies. The essay focuses on three elements of the psychological functioning of people that are not always taken into account: (1) one perceives his/her world view as a property which has to be safeguarded; (2) one’s belief system is intertwined with the social identity; and (3) the ideology to which a person adheres helps to understand and interpret social events. The final part of the article outlines ways that could help overcome the difficulties highlighted in the reflections.
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