Social Identity Theory – Flashcards

A cognitive representation of the self, which coordinates with an individual's self perception. People categorize and evaluate themselves based on physical characteristics and skills as well as social categories (e.g. gender and race).

Based on evaluation of self along a positive-negative continuum

Turner 1982; distinguished between one's personal identity and one's social identity. Identity is the result of categorization- for example, gender, ethnicity, or nationality.

Our social identity is derived from the social groups that we belong to (in-groups) and the groups that we don't belong to (out-groups). We derive self-esteem by positively differentiating our in-groups and out-groups. Therefore we tend to categorize our social environment into groups. Favor in-groups over out-groups.

Part of an individual's self concept comes from knowledge of his or her social group including the value and emotional significance related to that group membership.

Into in-groups and out-groups is a cognitive process. The more important and meaningful the membership, the more it forms the basis of an individual's social identity. Individuals strive for a positive self concept and social identity.

Between one's own group and other groups contributes to a positive or negative social identity. May contribute to positive distinctiveness or negative distinctiveness.

Seen as a way to establish positive in-group distinctiveness. Out-group members are seen as similar with negative traits.

People are categorized based upon shared characteristics. This determines our group memberships. Helps to distinctiveness of an in-group.

Group members are seen as individuals with positive traits.

Tajfel 1970; UK schoolbuys were placed into groups based on their response to an initial task. In second experiment they were categorized based on artistic ability, then asked to give small amounts of money to the other boys. Gave more money to the members of their own group and in second experiment maximized the difference between in-group and out-group.

Can explain mechanisms involved in establishing positive distinctiveness. Shows intergroup conflict is not required for discrimination. Can be applied to understand favoritism and conformity.

Minimal group experiments criticized for artificiality, questioned whether adults can be generalized. Social groups normally not of minimal feature. Group members more info. about social context than categorization.