Prejudice: Social identity theory

Question 1

What is social comparison?

2

Answer 1

• Perceive ingroup superior, exaggerate successes

- Outgroup = inferior, their achievements are denigrated, caused by external factors

Question 2

Evaluate social impact theory

3

Answer 2

Tajfel made in/outgroups by telling each boy which others behaved like them (choose painting they liked). Found, when asking boys (15 from Bristol) to allocate points for cash to other boys, ^points awarded to in

Only explains intergroup behaviour in Western society, ethnocentric. Wetherell replicated Tajfel w 8yr New Zealand children, found indigenous Polynesian children = ^generous in their allocation of points to out than their NZ classmates

> Prejudice. Fein and Spencer gave students ^/> self esteem, found low = rated Jew applicants for job >favourably than Italian candidate. Self esteem^ by students writing down thing they value, >anti-Jewish prejudice

Question 3

What is social identity theory (Tajfel)?

2

Answer 3

• Humans have strong desire to belong, derive self-esteem through group membership
• Persons behaviour motivated by their self image

Question 4

What is social categorisation?

2

Answer 4

• Separation of ingroup’s and outgroup’s

- Existence of outgroup = P+D to occur

Question 5

What is social identification?

3

Answer 5

• Individual adopts beliefs, values and attitudes of their belonging group
• Alter their behaviour to fit norms of the group
• Shift in their self concept, new identity formed