1.6 - issues and debates

Question 1

social control - how can Social Identity Theory be used to create a common enemy?

Answer 1

authorities could manipulate perceptions to create a common enemy (out-group), fostering a sense if solidarity within the in-group (could divert attention from internal issues)
portrayals of in-groups and out-groups in the media can contribute to the formation and manipulation of social identities and influence behaviour accordingly

Question 2

social control - how can Social Identity Theory be used to build social cohesion?

Answer 2

can do this by emphasising commonalities and shared values between different social groups - encouraging this belonging and unity can promote collaboration and positive interactions
if we know that prejudice could be caused by the existence of two groups we can try and remove the distinction between the groups ie. create one large group