Chapter 14: Differentiation Of Groups Flashcards
How are groups formed
It’s formed when a number of individuals are seen to be similar in some respect but differ from others with regard to the matter in question.
Members of in groups refer to themselves as us and indicate members of the out group as them.
What is the process of social categorisation and what does it involve
The process of social categorisation is when the in groups and out groups are distinguished.
It involves two opposing ideas of similarity and difference at the same time and is an interplay between them
If we measure group formation on a single scale less difference means more similarity meaning the more similar in group members are they are more they differ from the outgroup or that greater difference from outgroup indicates higher degree similarity among in group but not always so as there can be differences between those in an ingroup too.
Describe and define Social stereotyping
Are general beliefs and expectations about people which can be positive or negative
Stereotypical thinking reflects our tendency to simplify large amounts of info by simplifying complexity and systematising and ordering info into categories and then thinking in terms of these categories instead of facts
When this thinking is applied to groups we refer to this as social stereotyping which is the process of simplifying info about groups which can lead to oversimplified ideas about the stereotyped group
What does stereotyping involve and what does it lead to
It involves unqualified generalisations of some aspects of groups where info that affirms the stereotype is recognised while info that questions or refutes it is ignored.
This leads to self fulfilling prophecies and create expectancies that allow us to perceive selectively recognising info that confirms our expectations and overlooking what doesn’t to perpetuate the stereotype we hold.
What is one negative result of stereotyping
It may lead to prejudice and social distancing where groups may begin to develop idealogies based on stereotypes.
What is social identity and the 2 components thereof
An individual self concept which has a personal and social identity.
Most have one personal identity but more than one social identity as they belong to more than one social group.
When individuals belong to a group they view it as theirs as they seek a positive self image. people have a natural urge to belong to a group as their membership enables them to compare there group with less favourable ones.
By belonging to a group(s) that have desirable attributes and being a member they can claim the group attributes as their own and create a positive self image
