Self-Categorisation Theory Flashcards
What does Self-Categorization Theory focus on?
Intragroup processes and the cognitive act of categorizing oneself as part of a group.
: Who developed SCT and when?
: John Turner et al., in 1987, after Tajfel’s death.
What is the relationship between SIT and SCT?
SCT builds on SIT and together they form the “Social Identity Approach.”
What are the three levels of self-categorization in SCT?
Superordinate (human identity), Intermediate (group identity), Subordinate (personal identity).
What is ‘functional antagonism’ in SCT?
When one level of identity becomes salient, others become less so.
How do levels of categorization influence behavior
They shape how we relate to others and how we perceive ourselves and others (Hornsey, 2008).
What determines which identity becomes salient in a situation?
The interaction of accessibility and fit (Oakes, 1987; Oakes, Turner & Haslam, 1991).
What is accessibility in self-categorization?
The likelihood a category is activated—either situationally or chronically.
What is comparative fit?
Perception of greater similarity within the ingroup than with outgroups (meta-contrast ratio).
What is normative fit?
The extent to which group differences align with stereotypes and expectations.
What is depersonalization in SCT?
Seeing oneself and others as group members rather than unique individuals.
What does depersonalization lead to?
Self-stereotyping and alignment with group norms and prototypes (Turner et al., 1994).
How does depersonalization affect social behavior?
It underpins cohesion, conformity, and leadership influence (Smith & Hendry, 1996).
How does SCT explain group polarization?
Group discussion reinforces the dominant group position (Turner, 1991).
How does SCT reinterpret crowd behavior?
Anonymity and cohesion shift identity from personal to group-based, enabling antisocial behavior (Zimbardo, 1970; Hornsey, 2008).
How does SIT challenge traditional views of stereotypes?
It sees them as socially functional, not just cognitive shortcuts (Hornsey, 2008).
What causes stereotype content to change?
The comparative context in which groups are evaluated.
What did Levine et al. (2002) show about helping behavior?
People are more likely to help ingroup members and are influenced by the presence of ingroup bystanders.
According to SCT, what determines influence within a group?
How prototypical someone is of the group identity.
What makes a leader influential according to the social identity approach?
Their ability to represent the group’s values and identity (Reicher & Hopkins, 1996; Hogg et al., 1998).
How does SCT redefine the source of power?
Influence (via categorization) leads to power, reversing the traditional notion of power being about resource control (Turner, 2005).
What does the Social Identity Approach consist of?
Social Identity Theory (intergroup focus) and Self-Categorization Theory (intragroup focus).
What is the core motivational principle of the social identity approach?
The desire for a positive and secure self-concept through group membership and ingroup bias.
