Definition of Social Identity Theory
Social Identity Theory: A theory developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner (1979) that suggests an individual's sense of self is based on their group memberships, with this identity shared by other members of the group.
Social Identity: Defined by Tajfel as "the part of an individual's self-concept which derives from [their] knowledge of [their] membership of a social group together with the emotional significance attached to that membership" (Tajfel, 1974). It refers to how individuals define themselves based on group membership.
Personal Identity: The part of an individual’s self-concept that is distinct from social identity. It encompasses traits and characteristics that define the person individually, rather than in terms of group membership.
In-Group: A group with which a person identifies as a member. It’s the “us” in “us versus them” distinctions.
Out-Group: A group with which a person does not identify as a member. It represents the “them” in “us versus them” distinctions.
Social Categorisation: The process of dividing the social environment into in-groups (to which an individual belongs) and out-groups (to which the individual does not belong). It’s the initial step of identifying with characteristics shared by in-group members, leading to a sense of similarity within the in-group and difference from the out-group.
In-Group Homogeneity: The tendency to view members of one’s own group (the in-group) as being similar to one another, which reduces perceived variability within the group (“we are all the same”).
Out-Group Homogeneity: The tendency to view members of an out-group as being similar to each other, reducing perceived variability among them (“they are all the same”).
Category Accentuation Effect: A cognitive exaggeration that occurs when people categorize others into in-groups and out-groups. This effect increases the perceived differences between groups and similarities within each group.
Social Identification: The process by which individuals identify strongly with an in-group and adopt its norms and attitudes as their own. It’s the stage where an individual not only feels a part of the group but begins to act like it.
Social Comparison: The process of comparing one’s in-group with relevant out-groups, often favorably, to enhance self-esteem. This comparison tends to highlight the superiority of the in-group.
Positive Distinctiveness: The motivation to show that one’s in-group is preferable to relevant out-groups, which strengthens social identity and self-esteem. This concept emphasizes the desire for a positive social identity.
Self-Categorisation Theory: An extension of social identity theory developed by John Turner. It focuses on how individuals define themselves as members of a social group and internalize group norms through depersonalization and self-stereotyping, leading to group-consistent behavior.
Depersonalisation: A cognitive process within self-categorisation theory where individuals start seeing themselves as more similar to their group, often through self-stereotyping, leading to a "cognitive redefinition of the self."