Social Identity Theory

1. Social Identity Theory Tajfel et al 1979

2. Social Identity Theory The theory is based on four interrelated concepts: • Social categorization • Social identity • Social comparison • Positive distinctiveness TAJFEL

3. Social Categorization • Divides groups into ‘Ingroups’ (us) and ‘Outgroups’ (them) It also… • Reduces perceived variability within the ingroup • Reduces perceived variability in the outgroup • Increases perceived variability between the ingroup and outgroup • This exaggeration of differences is called the ‘category accentuation effect.’

4. Social Identity • This is basically how your perception of your belonging to a group can influence your behaviour. • For example, a fan of the NY Yankees’ behaviour will change depending on if they win or lose • Also, you behave differently depending on which group/s you feel you belong to at different times (school peer groups vs. outside school peer groups)

6. Social Comparison • This basically means that we compare our ‘ingroups’ with other ‘outgroups.’

7. Positive Distinctiveness • By comparing our ‘ingroup’ with other ‘outgroups’ we attain positive distinctiveness. • This means our ingroup is better than the outgroup!

8. Characteristics of Intergroup Behaviours • Ethnocentrism (group ssb) • Ingroupfavouritism • Intergroup differentiation • Stereotypical thinking • Conformity