Social Issues and Policy Review, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015, pp. 89--120 Inclusive Victim Consciousness in Advocacy, Social Movements, and Intergroup Relations: Promises and Pitfalls Johanna Ray Vollhardt Clark University While researchers and policy makers often focus their attention on the detrimental consequences of collective victimhood, it has been posited that these negative out- comes are linked to particular construals of the ingroup’s victimization: namely those that focus on the uniqueness of these experiences (exclusive victim con- sciousness). In contrast, perceived similarities across victim groups (inclusive victim consciousness) may be associated with more positive outcomes, including victim groups assisting and advocating for each other or engaging in joint col- lective action. Drawing on social psychological research and real-world cases, this review provides examples of inclusive victim consciousness in several policy- relevant domains. A distinction is made between conflict-specific and general inclusive victim consciousness. Additionally, motivations for expressing inclusive victim consciousness are discussed that vary in their degree of ingroup- versus outgroup-concern. Factors are suggested that may promote or decrease inclusive victim consciousness, including steps that can be taken by policy makers and prac- titioners. Finally, potential challenges and risks involved in attempts to promote inclusive victim consciousness are discussed. Members of victimized or disadvantaged groups can be powerful advocates for other victim groups—both within their own society and globally. Numerous examples in different parts of the world and periods of history show how a sense of shared collective victimhood and oppression can mobilize people to advocate on behalf of other groups that are disadvantaged or in need, help garner support for their cause, create powerful alliances that can influence votes and policies, Johanna Ray Vollhardt, Department of Psychology, Clark University. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Johanna Ray Vollhardt, Depart- ment of Psychology, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610. Tel: +1 508 793 7278 [e-mail: JVollhardt@clarku.edu]. 89 C  2015 The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues