Social identity theory Flashcards
What does Social identity theory says causes prejudice?
The existence of groups
What are the order of the stages in social identity theory?
Categorisation, Identification, Comparison
Define social categorisation
When you classify yourself as part of a group with others and others as not in the group
Define social identification
When you adopt the norms, beliefs and identity of the group i.e. dressing the same
Define social comparison
When you put down the other group to boost your self esteem
What are two types of social comparison?
In group favouritism i.e. positive distinctivenss, Negative outgroup bias i.e. social denigration
How does Sherif’s study support SIT?
Because the presence of groups was enough to cause conflict when the groups found out about each other
What did Tajfel’s study show?
That boys were willing to show in-group favouritism (in assigning money) for a minimal group they had been put in
Why is SIT better than RCT?
Because it can explain types of prejudice where there is no competition e.g. homophobia
What is a problem with Identity theory (or what does it not account for)?
It is situational in nature and so ignores personality factors like authoritarian personality which cause prejudice
Is Social identity theory a useful theory to explain prejudice
Yes- it can explain real life examples of prejudice like homophobia or racism as they involve ingroups and outgroups going through these stages
Why could Sherif be said to conflict with Identity theory?
It is better explained by RCT that the boys were in competition and superordinate goals were used to reduce prejudice even if the groups still existed
How does Jane Elliot support Identity theory?
The children with brown eyes and blue eyes quickly moved to name calling and fighting after being put in groups
