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Social Identity Theory (SIT) - Coggle Diagram
Social Identity Theory (SIT)
Alternative theories
Self-categorisation theory:
Attempts to explain the specific processes behind social categorization on the basis of self-esteem. An extension of the SIT
Realistic Group Conflict theory:
Conflicting goals and competition for limited resources may contribute more to the development of prejudice than just the creation of two groups.
Robbers' Cave Experiment
Before forced cooperation: Not too many friendships between the groups, severe stereotyping and discrimination
After forced cooperation: Formation of new friendships between the two groups
Groups of boys pitted against each other as rivals, but then manipulated to work together to fix a water line.
Social identity theory:
An individual’s sense of self is dependent on the groups that they belong to and the shared identity of these groups.
Process
2. Social Identification: IDENTIFYING
The process of
identifying
strongly with an in-group to the point where an individual begins to share the norms and attitudes of other members in the in-group
3. Social Comparison: COMPARE
The process by which individuals
compare
their in-groups with out-groups. Dependent on self-esteem wherein individuals favour their in-group than out-groups to maintain their self-esteem
1. Social Categorisation: DIVISION
The process by which social groups are
divided
into in-groups and out-groups based on an individual’s perception of their characteristics. Individuals categorize themselves based on their perception on the status of the in-groups
4. Positive Distinctiveness: MOTIVATED
The process by which individuals are
motivated to demonstrate
that their in-group is more preferable to an out-group.
Real-life connections
Stereotyping
Prejudice
Discrimination
Collective social movements
Globalisation
Us vs Them
In-groups:
A social group that an individual identifies with.
We
are all the same
Out groups:
a group that an individual does not belong to/identify with.
They
are all the same
We
are not the same as
them
: Explains variability between the in-group and out-group
Category accentuation effect:
When differences between groups and similarities within a group are exaggerated
Social identity vs personal identity
Social identity:
How individuals use group membership to define themselves (their identities)
Personal identity:
amalgamation of multiple social identities to develop a unique personal identity
Depersonalisation:
when individuals change their identities to better identity with their social groups
Minimal Group Paradigm
Criticising the SIT
Assumes that in-group preference will lead to bias, discrimination, and stereotyping against the out-group, but this may not always happen.
Prejudice may not always be a result of in-group favouritism—some individuals may just be more likely to discriminate because of their background or personality or be more competitive than others.
Applies more to collectivist cultures where social groups are interdependent and group achievement is more important than personal achievement. On the other hand, in individualistic cultures, there is a greater emphasis on personal achievement—self esteem is not determined by group achievement. Necessary to conduct cross-cultural research.