SIT 2

Social Identification

Social Identification

Takes place after deciding to belong to a group, is the process of adopting norms of the group and taking on characteristics

Social Comparison

Between ones own group and other groups. e.g status and power. It contributes to negative or positive social identity

Self-esteem

According to SIT, we seek to build our self-esteem by comparing our in-group to other out-groups, by viewing our in-group better than the out-group (viewing them in a negative way) we can ‘feel good’ about belonging. Tajfel and turner explained that humans have a natural desire to build a positive social identity to build self-esteem which can explain the nature of how people make comparisons between in-group and out-group, social Comparison can impact self-esteem.

Positive distinctiveness

in-group perceived as "better than" the out-group and positive social identity is achieved leading to increase in self-esteem.

Negative distinctiveness

If assessment is not positive, the individual will either try to leave the group and move to another more "positive" group identity or may try to make their existing group appear more positive by displaying favoritism towards the in-group

• Discrimination can be seen as away of establishing positive in-group distinctiveness.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified images of people who belong to a particular group. Social Categorisation is linked to stereotyping and is shown to emphasis discrimination

Prejudice

Stereotypes lead to prejudice. Negative emotional attitude held towards specific social groups. e.g. racism, ageism and sexism. A mixture of negative thoughts and stereotypes lead to feelings of fear, envy and hostility

Minimal group theory

Suggest simply placing people into groups in enough to establish prejudice.

• Requires individuals to create an "us vs them" mentality

• Can be linked to SIT

discrimination

Positive or negative behavior directed towards a social group

• ignoring

• exclusion

• Physical violence

• Putting people down