Group Identities Flashcards
Who was Henri Tajfel and what is he known for in social psychology?
Henri Tajfel was a Polish-born social psychologist, known for his work on prejudice, discrimination, and the development of Social Identity Theory. He sought to understand the role of social context in group behaviors, particularly through the concept of positive group distinctiveness.
What did John Turner contribute to social psychology?
John Turner was a major proponent of Social Identity Theory and Self-Categorisation Theory. He sought to understand the origins of collective behavior and how social change is possible, particularly focusing on how people identify with groups.
What were the key findings of the Minimal Group Experiments (Tajfel et al., 1971)?
In the Minimal Group Experiments, participants were assigned to groups based on trivial criteria (e.g., preference for Klee or Kandinsky paintings) and allocated money to group members. Results showed in-group favoritism and intergroup discrimination, highlighting the impact of social categorization.
What does Social Identity Theory (SIT) suggest about group behavior?
Social Identity Theory suggests that individuals derive part of their identity from group membership. They strive for positive distinctiveness by perceiving their group as superior to others, which enhances their self-esteem. Threats to group identity can lead to efforts to improve or protect the group’s status.
What is individual mobility in the context of Social Identity Theory?
Individual mobility is a strategy for improving one’s social position by leaving a lower-status group and joining a higher-status group. It is more likely when group membership is perceived as permeable, i.e., possible to change.
What is social competition in Social Identity Theory?
Social competition occurs when individuals or groups attempt to improve the status of their group through collective effort, especially when group status is perceived as unstable. This can involve protest or other forms of resistance.
What is Social Creativity in the context of Social Identity Theory?
Social creativity involves redefining the way a group perceives itself in relation to other groups to gain a more positive distinctiveness, often through reinterpretation of group achievements or values.
What did the Ellemers et al. (1990) study on Social Identity Theory reveal about group membership?
The study found that members of permeable groups were more likely to identify with higher-status groups (individual mobility), while those in unstable groups were more likely to engage in social competition to improve their group’s position.
What does the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA) emphasize?
SIMCA emphasizes three key predictors of collective action: social identification, collective efficacy (belief in the ability to achieve change), and anger about perceived injustice.
What is Self-Categorisation Theory (SCT) and how does it differ from Social Identity Theory?
SCT suggests that people categorize themselves and others based on the comparative fit (maximizing differences between categories) and normative fit (applying pre-existing knowledge about categories). It focuses on the fluidity of identities, depending on the context, while SIT focuses on maintaining positive group distinctiveness.
How can a common identity reduce intergroup discrimination?
A common identity can reduce discrimination by promoting a sense of shared identity, but this strategy has limitations, such as resistance to relinquishing existing group identities and power imbalances.
What are the potential benefits of social identification according to research?
Social identification can provide solidarity, support in emergency situations, coping with stress, and identity-based leadership. It can lead to greater life satisfaction, better health outcomes, and more effective collective action.
What is the “social cure” perspective on social identities?
The “social cure” perspective suggests that social identification provides individuals with meaning, support, and agency, which enhances health and well-being. However, social identities can also be a “social curse” when they are stigmatized or devalued.
How do social identities influence collective behavior?
Social identities are central to collective behavior, as they provide the basis for group solidarity, influence intergroup relations, and can lead to prejudice and discrimination, but also foster social change and collective action for justice and social transformation.
What is the role of social identity in discrimination and prejudice?
Social identity plays a major role in both discrimination and prejudice, as individuals and groups tend to favor their own group (in-group) over others (out-group). This can lead to negative stereotypes, biases, and intergroup conflict.
