Social identity theory and intergroup relations Flashcards
define stereotypes
Impressions of groups that people form by associating the groups with particular characteristics
define prejudice
Positive or negative evaluations of a social group or its members
define discrimination
Positive or negative behaviour directed toward a social group or its members
name three theories of bias
Social identity theory Realistic conflict theory
Intergroup threat theory
what is social identity theory
We derive self-esteem from our valued group memberships
Share and adopt opinions with our in group in order to feel validated
what does self identity theory lead to towards outgroups
belief that outgroups are inferior
define self-categorisation
seeing oneself as a member of a social group
how does group membership effect self esteem
when our group wins we feel great
what do we tend to do when groups win
refer to group as “we” during wins and “them” during losses
explain method of Brewer and Weber
-random assignment to estimation task
-told either consistent with majority or minority
-shown video of either majority or minority performing poorly or well on academic task
What are the findings for individuals in the majority
majority performance is good =we feel bad
majority performance is bad = we feel good
explain the findings for the minority
If minority performance is good = we feel good
If minority performance is bad = we feel bad
what does minimal group paradigm suggest
groups can be made arbitrarily
examples of arbitrary groups
colour of t shirt
coin toss
why is minimal group paradigm useful
allow us to study group effects in a vacuum
suggests group conflict is innate
what is outgroup homogeneity effect
Seeing outgroup as less diverse than in-group
Fewer outgroup members known
how did Bilig and Tafiel investigate outgroup homogeneity effect
Schoolboys divided into arbitrary groups
Divide points between in vs outgroup
Generally favoured in group members
what is the categorisation-competition hypothesis
Viewing people in terms of ingroups and outgroups is sufficient to generate conflict
what is realistic group conflict theory
Evolutionary account for group conflict
Groups tend to compete when resources are contested e.g. land, welfare and oil
what is realistic group conflict theory supported by
Robber’s cave experiments
what does intergroup threat theory suggest
biases come from two types of perceived threats
what are the two types of threats in intergroup threat theory
-symbolic threats e.g. loss of status
-realistic threats e.g. loss of physical resources
how is intergroup threat theory different from previous theories
previous theories emphasised realistic threats
why may an outgroup often be seen as a moral exclusion
to justify aggression, hate crimes and genocide
define blatant discrimination
Unequal and harmful treatment that is intentional and visible
what is subtle discrimination
Unequal and harmful treatment that is typically less visible and subtle
Can be either active or passive
what is covert discrimination
Unequal and harmful treatment that is hidden, purposeful and often malicious
Attempts to ensure failure in situations
what are microaggressions
Small-scale, everyday behaviours that demean other social groups or members of those groups
Behaviour can be verbal or non-verbal
how is prejudice related to discrimination
Small correlations between prejudice and discrimination
Prejudice alone not sufficient enough to promote discrimination
what is theory of planned behaviour
Prejudiced attitudes can influence behaviour
Attitudes interact with social norms and expectations to act morally
what are internal motivations to control prejudice
stems from personal beliefs that prejudice is wrong
People high in internal motivation are more likely to recognize conflict between prejudices and actions
what are external motivations to control prejudice
○ a result of social pressure
○ People often feel irritated and resentful as a result
Does not necessarily prevent discrimination
