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

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

Social Identity theory states that the ingroup will discriminate against the outgroup to enhance their self-image.

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

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.

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.

• 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