Social identity theory

• Social Identity Theory


  A theoretical framework that describes how individuals categorize themselves and others into groups, impacting their self-concept

  
• Social Identity Theory was developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner


  1979
• This theory seeks to explain one’s social/intergroup behaviour as a result of their social identity
• Social groups are important sources of pride and self-esteem
• Aspects provided by social groups

  • Belonging
  • Purpose
  • Self-worth
  • Identity
• Belonging


  Being part of a group can instill feelings of connection and unity
• Purpose


  Group affiliations often come with shared goals or missions
• Self-worth


  Affiliating with a group can boost self-esteem
• Identity


  Groups provide a framework to understand oneself in the context of a larger community
• Social Identity Theory processes

  1. Social Categorisation

  2. Social Identification

  3. Social Comparison

  
• Social Categorisation


  The tendency of people to classify themselves and others into various social groups
• Individuals categorise people to simplify and better understand the social environment
• Social categorisation is ultimately also a form of stereotyping
• Stereotyping


  Generalised views about the personal attributes or characteristics of an individual within a social group
• Stereotypes simplify people by grouping them into ‘us’ and ‘them’ categories
• In-group


  People who we share common and/or positively perceived traits with
• Out-group


  Those with different and/or negatively perceived traits
• Stereotyping can lead to prejudice

  Which can therefore lead to discrimination
• Stereotyping is usually unpleasant as individuals and/or groups of people are robbed of their individuality
• Functions of Stereotypes


  Enable individuals to simplify people by grouping them into categories
• Stereotypes reduce the amount of cognitive processing we have to do when we meet new people
• Stereotypes enable us to make decisions and respond more rapidly and easily to situations
• Social Identification


  Once individuals categorize themselves as members of a particular group, they adopt the identity of that group
• The process of social identification is crucial for an individual's sense of belonging and development of their self-concept
• Social Comparison


  After categorizing and identifying with a group, individuals compare their group to others
• Social comparison is often biased in favor of one’s own group
• Positive comparisons can lead to in-group pride
• Negative comparisons can result in prejudice and discrimination toward other groups
• Positive distinctiveness


  Members of a social group are driven to make their group members appear more positive and valued over another group
• Strengths of Social Identity Theory

  • Offers an explanation for intergroup behaviour and identity formation
  • Offers an explanation for real-world issues such as intergroup competition, prejudice, and discrimination
• Limitations of Social Identity Theory

  • Supposed overemphasis of group membership
  • Oversimplification of group identities
  • Does not discuss intragroup behaviours
• Applications of Social Identity Theory

  • Workplace diversity and inclusion
  • Nationalist and socialist movements
  • Educational environments
  • Marketing and consumer behaviour
  • Social media and online communities
• Social Identity Theory can be used to explore, explain, and resolve broader societal issues