1.1.4 social identity theory Flashcards
who is social identity theory proposed by?
tajfel and turner
what does social identity theory suggest prejudice is caused by?
the presence of another group
what is social categorisation?
separate individuals into either ingroup (see ourselves a part of) or outgroup (ppl not part of ingroup)
mere existence of outgroup is enough for prej and disc between them n us
what is social identification?
when an individual adopts the belief, values and attitudes of their group
change beh. to fit in with norms
change appearance to be accepted
self concept = create a new self
what is social comparison?
boosting self-esteem through making comparisons between ingroup and outgroup and emphasising success of ingroup
prejudice - the perception of the outgroup as inferior
discrimination - treating outgroups differently based on our unfavourable views of the group
social identity theory ao3 - supporting evidence
P - SIT has supporting evidence from Tajfel’s minimal groups study.
E - boys would rather maximise the difference in points in favour of their own group (7:1), rather than opt for maximining joint profit as this would mean giving the outgroup more points. (19:25).
T - Therefore SIT is a valid theory of prejudice because this shows how social categorisation is sufficient to trigger in-group favoritism and discrimination against the outgroup.
social identity theory ao3 - contradicting theory
P - Realistic conflict theory contradicts SIT
E -Intergroup conflict caused by competition for finite resources (food, land) between two or more groups. Negative interdependence occurs (each group blocks the other in achieving goal) because only one group can achieve it.
This causes hostile and prejudice behaviour between the groups, but cooperation and solidarity within each group. Conflict can be overcome with superordinate goals (both groups must work together to achieve a common goal).
T - This reduces the validity of the theory if there is a competing theory for the same behaviour.
social identity theory ao3 - application
P - SIT has application because it can be used to reduce prejudice.
E - Hostility between local rival football teams could be reduced by getting teams to identify as one in-group, such as players representing their country at an international competition. Fans will categorise themselves as an in-group, sharing an identity and emphasising success against rival team to increase self-esteem.
T - This means SIT is useful for society because it offers a practical solution to prejudice.
social identity theory ao3 - weakness
P - A weakness of SIT is it doesn’t consider the role of individual differences (personality)
E: RWA personality suggests prejudice is caused by a learned set of beliefs that the world is threatening resulting in hostility to out groups who do not follow shared norms. Cohrs found a positive correlation between RWA and generalised prejudice
T - This lowers the validity of SIT as it provides an individualistic explanation rather than situational factors.
Compare SIT and RCT
Similarities is that they both have supporting evidence, SIT evidence is Tajfel (1970) Minimal Group experiment Similarly RCT evidence Sherif et al (1966)
Difference is the explanation for what causes prejudices SIT evidence is that in and out group causes prejudice whereas RCT evidence is that a group competing for the same goal and limited resources
