Theory 4 -> Social Identity Theory

Tajfel & Turner 1979, 1986

Social Identity Theory

Tajfel & Turner 1979, 1986

Groups are

sets of individuals who have direct interactions with one another and have a shared fate or goal, with their own roles and norms

According to the theory we

divide the world into in-groups, which are groups we belong to, and outgrips, which are groups we don’t belong to.

Though social categorisation we

evaluate people

Based on this we make a judgement on whether they

belong to the in-group or the outgroup

In identifying groups, we categorise people based on

shared attitudes, behaviour, and norms. This is called the group prototype.

Social identification occurs

once individuals categorize themselves as members of a particular group. They adopt the identity of that group. This means they begin to see themselves in terms of group characteristics and adopt its norms, values, and behaviors.

After categorizing and identifying with a group

individuals compare their group to others

Positive distinctness

is when we see members of the in-group as different, and superior, to the out group.

We do this to

feel good about ourselves as a group member, as we can boost self esteem through self categorisation with a successful group

This leads to

in group favouritism and out group discrimination

This can cause

stereotyping and prejudice