Personal vs Social Identity

Personal identity

individual perception and definition of themselves

Social identity

sense of identity and self-definition provided by feeling subjectively attached to a group

Social identity development theory (Nesdale)

a group-based acccount of children’s intra and intergroup attitudes, cognition and behaviours

Four development phases

1. foundations of social group relations (0-2 yrs)

2. social groups awareness (2-5 yrs)

3. in-group preference (5+ yrs)

4. out-group negativity (6-7+ yrs)

Foundations of social group relations (0-2 yrs)

infants display increased interest in social observation and interactions

Social group awareness (2-5 yrs)

Becoming aware of common markers associated with social groups and begin to differentiate based on group membership

In-group reference (5+ yrs)

Children form friendships and interact with others, often preferring to interact with members of their in-groups

Out-group negativity (6-7+ yrs)

Under certain conditions, children may displau negativity towards members of outgroups

Social wellbeing

evaluation of self in a social context - includes social integration, contribution, acceptance, coherence and actualistion