Social Identity Theory

Tajfel, 1971 Boys assigned randomly to groups based on ‘ preference ’ for art ( Kaninsky or Klee ) –More likely to identify with the boys of their own group –Willing to give higher rewards to members of their own group –Out - group rated as less likeable, but was never actually disliked

Tajfel, 1971 Membership to social groups plays an important role in our sense of self When we interact with others = BOTH –Individual AND representative of social group Three fundamental mechanisms involved in creation of our social identity

#1: Social Categorization Process whereby objects, events and people are classified into categories based on shared characteristics Results Exaggerate similarities of those within your group Exaggerate differences between your group and outside groups

#2: Social Comparison Process of comparing one ’ s own social group with others Some groups have more power, respect, prestige than others, therefore : –Group members will determine the relative status of their group vs others Results Distance between groups Strengthening of commitment to your own group ’ s beliefs & ideals

#3 Source of self - esteem Group membership fosters self esteem ( I ’ m awesome because I belong to this group !) –Maintaining self - esteem = basic motivation of human behavior The better the group achievement, the stronger our commitment to the group If the group starts to seem unfavorable, seek to leave it or distance themselves from the group –If this is not possible, seek to compare their group to a lower group

In - group vs Out - groups Even when randomly assigned to a group, we favor ‘ our ’ group & discriminate against the ‘ other ’ group See our group members as having common interests & form bonds with them

Weaknesses in the theory There are times when personal identity is more influential than the group identity Reductionist - culture, rewards, poverty, societal demands play a role in our in - group identity