social identity theory

Question 1

what is the self?

Answer 1

an individual’s subjective experience of themselves as a unique entity with thoughts, feelings, and characteristics.

Question 2

what is the social identity theory?

Answer 2

a theory that states that an individual’s sense of self is developed based on social group membership

Question 3

what are the four stages for developing membership?

Answer 3

1. social categorization: in-group and out-group homogeneity. differences between groups are exaggerated
2. social identification: sense of belonging: adopts norms and attitudes of other group members.
3. social comparison: self-esteem: favorably compares their in-group with the out-group. perception of superiority leading to prejudice and discrimination
4. positive distinctiveness: motivation to show that in-group is indeed better.

Question 4

STUDY ON SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY

Answer 4

Park and Rothbart, 1982
aim: to see if naturally occurring social groups would demonstrate in-group bias and the out-group homogeneity effect.
- 90 sorority members
- questionnaires: favorable characteristics were attributed to themselves, and unfavorable to others.
- bias - stereotypes - prejudice - discrimination