Social identity theory

Question 1

Define the term ‘prejudice’.

Answer 1

An unfavorable opinion or attitude formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason

Question 2

Define the term ‘discrimination’.

Answer 2

The mistreatment against a person based on gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation

Question 3

Describe the Social Identity Theory (3 points)

Answer 3

Conflict and competition are not required for prejudice to occur

The mere existence of in-groups and out-groups is sufficient to cause prejudice due to processes like social categorisation, social identification and social comparison

Self-fulfilling prophecy - individuals adopt the ‘label’ that society gives them and act accordingly

Question 4

Define ‘social identity’.

Answer 4

An individual’s self-concept, created by identifying with a group (an in-group)

Question 5

What are the 4 steps of the Social Identity Theory?

Answer 5

1. Social Categorisation
   People place themselves into distinct social groups leading to an ‘us and them’ mentality
2. Social Identification
   People identify with their ‘in group’ by explicitly adopting the group’s norms and attitudes e.g. wearing the same team colours
3. Social Comparison
   The in-group perceives themselves as superior to the out-group to increase their self–esteem
4. Prejudice develops as in-group favouritism and negative out-group bias occurs

Question 6

What are the strengths of the Social Identity Theory? (3 points)

Answer 6

The concept of the mere existence of in-groups and out-groups resulting in prejudice is supported by research evidence

Jane Elliot (1968)
+ Divided a class into groups based on eye colour
+ Caused students to go from being ‘marvelous and cooperative’ to ‘vicious, nasty, discriminating third graders.’

Supports the concept of prejudice developing without any direct competition

Question 7

How credible is the Social Identity Theory? (4 points)

Answer 7

The concept of in-group favouritism can be empirically tested and falsified

Tajfel & Turner have carried out empirical research with 2 replications - 40 flashing dots and Klee and Kandinsky paintings studies

The results demonstrated that boys overwhelmingly chose to allocate more points to their ‘in-group’ and when converting points into money, they chose maximum profit for their own group

Allocation of monetary reward is objective, quantitative data - falsified through scientific measurement in a controlled laboratory environment

Question 8

Are there any other explanations for the Social Identity Theory? (2 points)

Answer 8

Sheriff proposed the Realistic Conflict Theory, an alternative explanation which highlights the importance of competition between the in-group and out-group in causing prejudice and discrimination

This tells us that there are more detailed explanations for prejudice than social identity theory

Question 9

Is there any room for debate on the Social Identity Theory? (3 points)

Answer 9

Wider ethical implications - could lead to governing bodies and organisations manipulating people to try and create prejudice and discrimination as a form of social control

Can be seen with media and newspapers - they often perpetuate stereotypes about marginalised groups of people, leading to societal issues of Islamophobia/homophobia/misogyny

The theory could be considered a socially sensitive research area - potential for negative implications on society

Question 10

Can the Social Identity Theory be applied to real life? (2 points)

Answer 10

Has strong application in trying to prevent organised crime

E.g. football hooliganism
Explains why people may behave in hostile and aggressive manners towards the opposing team to raise their self esteem