Social Identity Theory

• What is social identity?

  A person's sense of who they are based on group membership
• How can social identity be identified?

  By recognizing one's social class, gender, or ethnicity
• What does Tajfel propose about group tendencies?

  They cause stereotyping based on group membership
• What do minimal groups refer to?

  Groups formed under minimal circumstances for behavior
• What is necessary for behavior to occur in minimal groups?

  Minimal circumstances must be present
• What is the purpose of social categorization?

  To understand humans in their social environment
• How do we see ourselves in social identity?

  As part of a group due to shared traits
• What does adopting group identity lead to?

  Behavior that aligns with group norms and values
• What did Tajfel find about minimal groups of boys?

  They awarded their own group points instead of sharing
• What was a limitation of Tajfel's study on boys?

  The sample was only made up of 14-15 year old boys
• What does social comparison involve?

  Viewing one's group as superior to others
• How does group favoritism affect self-esteem?

  It tends to enhance self-esteem through group membership
• What is the tendency to dislike out-group members called?

  Out-group bias
• What is the relationship between group membership and behavior?

  Group membership influences behavior and attitudes
• What is the significance of norms in group identity?

  They define appropriate behavior within the group
• How does social identity theory explain prejudice?

  It suggests prejudice arises from group categorization
• What do we find negative things about in group dynamics?

  Other groups compared to our own group
• What is the tendency of in-group favoritism?

  To reward members of our own group
• What is in-group bias?

  The tendency to dislike out-group members
• How do Polynesian children behave towards other groups?

  They are more generous to out-groups
• What does the theory suggest about cultural bias?

  It may not explain how prejudice arises
• What causes prejudice according to the theory?

  Competition between groups for scarce resources
• What happens after splitting groups based on eye color?

  Children with blue/brown eyes did not interact
• What does the presence of an in-group cause?

  It can lead to prejudiced attitudes and discrimination
• How can schools encourage teamwork among children?

  By promoting collaboration between children
• What are the implications of in-group favoritism and out-group bias?

  • In-group favoritism rewards group members
  • Out-group bias leads to negative attitudes
  • Can result in discrimination and prejudice
• What factors contribute to the development of prejudice in children?

  • Competition for scarce resources
  • Social identity and group comparison
  • Cultural biases and stereotypes
• How can educators mitigate prejudice among children?

  • Encourage teamwork and collaboration
  • Promote understanding of diversity
  • Foster positive interactions between groups