Social Identity Theory

Social Identity Theory (SIT)

A psychological theory that describes how individuals categorize themselves and others into social groups, leading to ingroup favoritism and outgroup discrimination.

Social Categorisation

The process of dividing the world into 'us' (ingroup) and 'them' (outgroup).

Social Identification

The process of adopting the norms and identity of one's ingroup.

Social Comparison

The process of boosting self-esteem by viewing one's ingroup as superior to the outgroup.

Key outcome of Social Comparison

Boosting self-esteem by perceiving the ingroup as superior and the outgroup as inferior.

Tajfel's Minimal Group Study (1970)

A study demonstrating that mere categorization into groups can lead to discrimination, as boys allocated more points to their ingroup.

Fein & Spencer (1997)

Research showing that lowered self-esteem increases prejudice, whereas boosting self-esteem reduces it.

Mundane Realism

The extent to which an experiment or study mirrors real-life scenarios.

Wetherell's (1982) Cross-Cultural Research

Research indicating that Polynesian children in New Zealand exhibited more generosity toward outgroups than white classmates, challenging SIT's applicability.

Practical Application of SIT

Implementing policies that boost self-esteem in educational settings to reduce prejudice.