#5 Social Identity Theory- Tajfel and Turner (1979)

Social Identity

The definition of the self in relation to group membership this is derived from the groups to which we belong

• generally see group as attractive/successful - leads to self-esteem

• Maintain self-esteem through membership of successful and attractive groups

#5 Theory

• to increase our self-image we enhance the status of the group we belong to

• we divide the world into groups of ‘us’ and ‘them’, or the ingroups vs the outgroups

The theory suggests that a person’s self-concept is strongly influenced by their group memberships, such as nationality, ethnicity, gender, or social class

*5.1 Social Categorisation

• people will simplify and quickly asses their environment without any conscious processing

• ingroups and outgroups, are grouped by being based on shared attributions

• categorisation helps individual simplify the social environment

• stereotypes are a from of social categorisation

*5.1 Self Identification

There will be an emotion significance to your identification with a group, and your self-esteem will become bound up with group membership.

*5.1 Social Comparison

• individuals compare their groups to others

• comparison is often biased in favour of one’s own group, leading to ingroup favouritism

-ingroups and outgroups

Ingroups and Outgroups

• people have a natural inclination to perceive their in-group in a positive light while being neutral or even negative towards out-groups, thus enhancing their self-image.

• This can lead to intergroup conflict, where there is disagreement between members of two or more groups.

Theory Strengths (SIT can be used to explain…)

• In-group favouritism – individuals are inclined to favour and promote their in-group at the expense of out-groups.

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• Stereotyping and prejudice – overemphasising similarities within groups and differences between them, leading to stereotyping.

• Intergroup conflict – dynamics can intensify, leading to intergroup hostility and conflict.

• Belonging – being part of a group can instil feelings of connection and unity

Theory Limitations

• Conflict may not occur where groups are similar in social status, resulting in cooperation instead

• Does not address all intergroup conflict

Theory Applications

• Reducing prejudice

• Understanding group dynamics:

  • Understanding group dynamics

  • Religion

  • Nationality

  • Professional affiliation

  • Sports team

  • Political affiliation

  • Age

  • Musical preference

  • Educational institutional

  • Gender and Sexual orientation