Social Identity Theory

Social Identity Theory (SIT)

Proposed by Tajfel 1979.

States that our social identities are created by the social groups we belong to.The theory is based on three cognitive processes:

• Social Categorization

• Social Identification

• Social Comparison

When we’re made salient of one of our social identities our behaviour is prone to change.

Social Categorization

The first process to social identity theory. We categorize people into two groups based on characteristics:

• In-Groups

• Out-Groups

In-Groups

Groups that we belong to.

Out-Groups

Groups we don’t belong to.

Social Identification

We conform to the ideal norms and behaviours of the in-groups we belong to.

Social Comparison

We compare our in-groups and out-groups, grouping all the individuals in the out-groups to share a common trait - homogeneity. We also make ourselves look more favourable - positive distinctiveness - because it gives us higher self-esteem.

Hilliard and Liben (2010)

Study that shows social category salience for gender plays a role in developing stereotypes.