5 Prejudice : Social Identity Theory (SIT)

Question 1

What are the components of SIT? P : SIT

Answer 1

• The self and the group
• Social categorisation
• Social identification
• Social comparison

Question 2

What is the self and the group? P : SIT

Answer 2

Tajfel and Turner (1979, 1986) explained that self-concept is a sense of who we are and consists of many social identities. SIT states that we have a strong desire to ‘belong’ in a group.

• Our social behaviour (self) is driven by the motivation to fit into a group (group).

Question 3

What is social categorisation? P : SIT

Answer 3

Social categorisation is the idea that we see our group as ‘us’ and any other group as ‘them’ (‘us’ vs ‘them’ mentality). The mere existence of an out-group causes prejudice, since they are sen as different.

Question 4

What is social identification? P : SIT

Answer 4

Social identification is adopting behaviour and beliefs of the in-group (conforming). This can lead to prejudice if your group is prejudice.

Question 5

What is social comparison? P : SIT

Answer 5

Social comparison states that individuals boost self-esteem by comparing themselves to the out-group. People view their own group as superior, and other groups as inferior.

• They are not objective views. This leads to prejudice and discrimination as out-groups are viewed as inferior and lesser.