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Elements of social identity theory (Social categorisation (The process…
Elements of social identity theory
Social categorisation
Definition: the division of social groups into in-groups and out-groups, as an individual identifies with the groups to which they belong
Out-groups are perceived as having a set of shared characteristics of their own but the individual does not identify with it
The process revolves around perceptions of similarity within an in-group, as an individual identifies with characteristics shared by its members .
This leads to perceptions of: in-group homogeneity, or reduced variability within the in-group / out-group homogeneity, or reduced variability within the out-group / increased variability between the in-group and the out-group
Category accentuation effect: exaggeration of group differences and intragroup similarities
Social identification
Definition: The process by which an individual identifies strongly with an in-group, and co-opts the norms and attitudes of other members within that group.
Social identification may be indicated by closeness, level of connection or involvement with the group, amongst other indicators of belonging or identification.
The individual feels like a part of the group (because of social categorisation) and also acts like it.
Social comparison
Definition: the process by which an individual favourably compares their in-groups with out-groups.
Social comparison often leads to perceptions of in-group superiority.
Once two social groups are perceived as rivals to one another, they may be forced to compete for self-esteem
It might be said that social comparison results from competing for social identities.
Positive distinctiveness
Definition: an individual's motivation to show that an in-group is preferable to an out-group.
By establishing the superiority of an in-group over relevant out-groups, individuals make sure that social identities, and therefore self-esteem, are positive.
Since each group seeks to view itself as different from (and also better than) its rivals, prejudice and discrimination at times arise out of such clashes of social perception.