Social Identity theory PDF

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Social Identity theory

Social identities are established by self-categorization into groups, derived from a person’s awareness and inclusion in a social group based on shared attributes, such as nationality, ethnicity, religion and social class. The desire to be accepted by a group typically is motivated by a need for a sense of belonging, which helps to shape identity, and relies on a person’s ability to conform to social norms (standards for how to behave).

Within different social groups, in-groups (a social group a person is a part of) and outgroups (any group outside of that social group) are established. Tajfel and Wilkes’s (1963) studies have shown that the perception of differences within a person’s in-group is reduced while the perception of differences within outgroups are exaggerated. Negative stereotyping and discrimination of outgroups and favouritism for in-groups stems from this effect.

Tajfel suggests that this discrimination derives from a person’s or group’s attempt to increase their own self-value and self-esteem through achieving a positive distinctiveness for their own group in comparison to an outgroup. This is reinforced by Suleiman’s study which states that “By differentiating ingroup from outgroup on dimensions on which the ingroup falls at the evaluatively positive pole, the ingroup acquires a ‘positive distinctiveness’, and thus a relatively positive social identity in comparison to the outgroup. Since the self is defined in terms of the ingroup, this selective differentiation accomplishes a relatively positive evaluation that endows the individual with a sense of well-being, enhanced self-worth and self-esteem.”

The social identity theory specifically applies to minority and majority groups. Membership of high status groups or majority groups contributes positively to a person’s social identity while membership in in low status groups or minority groups can have a negative effect on a person’s self-concept and social image, such as internalised homophobia in homosexual people and low self-esteem in aboriginal children at schools.

In critical domains such as jobs, promotion, immigration, policing and justice, minority groups are disadvantaged due to systemic discrimination within the institutes these domains reside and shows the large scale that discrimination based on social identity can reach.

The level of discrimination however, often depends on how strongly a person identifies with their group. Group members who strongly identify with their group are more likely to show discrimination towards outgroups while members who have weaker identification with their group are less likely to show discriminatory behaviours and thoughts.

Strategies to reduce discrimination can be implemented such as intergroup interaction and educational interventions. These interventions aid in reducing intercultural anxiety and fear of outgroups while promoting empathy, trust and intimacy between groups (Bourhis, 2020).

Conclusion People form social groups within different societies, which often influence their social identity. However, when the social identity of these groups leads to prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination against other minority groups within our society, destructive and harmful actions can occur. These actions and attitudes can be personal and small scale or embedded into society’s institutions on a much larger scale. Stone and Moskowitz’s 2011 study found that stereotypes stem from generalised impressions and opinions of certain groups, based on perceived common attributes. Stereotypes which derive from prejudicial attitudes lead to alienation of affected groups, resulting in discrimination. Our example of the discrimination faced by the Asian communities in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how stereotyping and alienation of a minority group generated harmful actions. Prejudices and discrimination can be reduced through intergroup interaction and educational interventions. Bourhis’s 2020 study found that this helps to enhance empathy, trust and intimacy, and intergroup interaction when involving multiple members of a group, can effectively reduce prejudice and discrimination against outer group members.

Bibliography Bourhis, Richard. (2020). A journey researching prejudice and discrimination. Canadian Psychology, 61, 95-100. https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000214 Brewer, Marilynn. (2007). The importance of being we: Human nature and intergroup relations. American Psychologist, 62, 728-738. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.62.8.728 Suleiman, Ramzi. (2002). Minority self-categorization: The case of the Palestinians in Israel. Peace & Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 8, 31-46. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327949PAC0801_4...