Global Human Identification: Studies of Its Roots, How It May Be Enlarged, and Its Expressions in Attitudes and Behavior

Research on global human identification is of growing interest among researchers, practitioners, and the general population (for a review see McFarland et al., 2019). With many issues requiring global efforts to solve (e.g., climate change, refugee crises, the continuing spread of COVID-19), the relevance of studying and developing this work worldwide is vital. The idea of such a broad social identification goes back to ancient times (e.g., to Socrates), and can be found in psychological theories for decades. All humanity is considered the highest level of possible self-categorization in Social Categorization Theory (Turner et al., 1987), the highest level of self-actualization (Maslow, 1954), a characteristic of the most mature individuals (Adler, 1927/1954), a solution to human conflicts (Allport, 1958), and the desired direction of identity development (Erikson, 1968). This topic, however, has seen a surge of research in just the last few years.

While research on global human identification has increased rapidly in recent years, many political scientists and psychologists still do not know these constructs and research. We believe that a Research Topic on this topic will introduce these important constructs to many and stimulate further important research regarding them.

Much is still to be learned about the roots and manifestations of global human identification. Why do some persons identify with all humanity while others do not? How can it be taught in childhood or adolescence, and how can it be enlarged among adults? What factors facilitate or impede its development? What is its role in international organizations? How is it shaped by culture and globalization processes? Previous studies have shown many positive behaviors and attitudes associated with global human identification (e.g. a greater concern for human rights; giving to international charities; concern for the global environment; forgiving former national enemies). Other important associations are perhaps not yet identified.

We will solicit studies that explore the roots and various consequences of global human identification in an international context and methods to develop and enlarge this level of identification.
We propose a broad scope of the Research Topics, including various themes from different disciplines.

Specifically, contributors could address the following topics:
- the roots of global human identification;
- how can it be taught in childhood or adolescence; what factors facilitate or impede its development?
- how can it be enlarged among adults?
- social consequences of global human identification, regarding various topics, including human rights attitudes, prejudice, dehumanization, prosocial behaviors, environmental attitudes and behaviors, political attitudes, and others;
- the methods and effects of situational activation of global human identification;
- potential cultural differences in global human identification;
- the role of global human identification in international organizations;
- global human identification and globalization.

We invite various types of manuscripts, including Original Research, Review, Systematic Review, Brief Research Reports, Conceptual Analysis, Hypothesis, and Theory.