Ultimately, many forms of discrimination and bias may develop not because outgroups are hated, but because positive emotions such as admiration, sympathy, and trust are reserved for the ingroup.

By definition, ingroup bias, or in-group bias, refers to a preference for one's ingroup, i.e., a social group with which the person readily associates himself, over the outgroup, i.e., a social group with which the person does not identify. Simply put, it refers to favoritism toward one's own group. The concept is also known as ingroup-outgroup bias. According to the ingroup bias theory, such behavior can be attributed to competition, wherein two groups vie for limited resources, or to circumstances wherein groups feel the need to prove their superiority.

As far as ingroup bias triggered as a result of competition is concerned, the best example will be that of Presidential primaries in the United States. When the Democrats or Republicans come down to two candidates during the Presidential primaries, two separate groups are formed. These groups supporting two individuals competing for the top job, show a strong bias against each other. And thus, despite being from the same larger group, they look upon others―those belonging to the outgroup―as inferior. Similar examples can also be seen in schools, where groups or gangs are formed, and those who are not a part of a group are treated in a harsh manner. As for ingroup bias triggered as a result of attempts to prove one's superiority, the best example will be the rivalry between the fans of two teams. In the National Football League (NFL), or any sporting league in the world, for that matter, the rivalry between teams is easily overshadowed by the rivalry between their fans. In such cases, people tend to favor their team's fans over fans of the other team, as the latter are not considered equals, and thus, mingling with them is a strict no. No wonder many leagues segregate fans on the basis of their loyalties. Similar examples can also be seen in cases in which religion comes into the picture, wherein those from one's own religion are favored over those from other religions. This is particularly rampant in pseudo-secular societies. Then there are cases involving religion and other sensitive topics, like color and creed, wherein the person's actions are driven by negativity towards other groups. This is a textbook example of outgroup bias.

When it comes to ingroup bias or ingroup favoritism, people from one's own group are viewed positively and given better treatment, thus resulting in discrimination against people who are not a part of that group. In the case of outgroup bias, or outgroup negativity, though, people who are not a part of that group, i.e., out-group people, are viewed negatively and treated in a harsh manner. It shouldn't come as a surprise that the latter forms the basis of racial inequality, which happens to be one of the biggest problems with today's society.