SIT Flashcards
SIT
Tajfel and Turner
Reaction by Tajfel against individualist nature of previous theories of prejudice e.g. Allport’s faulty generalisations
Three elements of SIT
Categorisation
Identification
Comparison
Sherif
Realistic Conflict Theory- groups compete for resources
Tajfel assumes that SIT categories are stable, universal and readily available
Billig- Nazis have waxed and waned through history, so have other fascist groups
Definitions of categories are not stable- this can’t be explained through psych processes. Social categories are dynamic, and we actively construct them through language.
Tajfel-Ppl identify with groups to foster self-esteem
Billing- Not enough to explain extreme prejudice (holocaust), or intensity, hatred or motivation to violence
We need ideological factors, and wider social and power relations
Emotions are socially constructed in hate-talk
Perhaps ppl experience unconscious repressed pleasure in engaging in the taboo of hate-talk (nb. Discursive has to borrow from psychoanalytic to explain emotions)
Tajfel- individuals’ identification with a group is along a continuum; depersonalisation of out groups is on a continuum towards dehumanisation
Billig- but bigotry is SHARED stereotyping through LANGUAGE. Depersonalisation/ dehumanisation happens through Lang, eg. Jews=rats, blacks=savages
Allport’s view of groups
They intensify the behaviour of group members
Asch’s studies of groups
Social situations are normative. They encourage ppl to conform
These treat groups as a variable
How groups are generally seen in traditional soc pay
As an influence that distorts the otherwise rational thinking of the individual
