Social identity theory Flashcards
(16 cards)
1
Q
What does social identity theory suggest ?
A
- Get self esteem from groups we belong to
- Group membership by itself is sufficient to create prejudice
2
Q
What do we tend to exaggerate in our groups ?
A
- Difference between groups
- Similarities in same group
3
Q
What are the 3 stages ?
A
- Social categorisation
- Social identification
- Social comparison
4
Q
What is social categorisation ?
A
- Separation of individuals into one of two groups
- Mere existence of outgroup is enough to bring prejudice
- Basic characteristic of human thought - automatic sorting process with little control
5
Q
What is an ingroup ?
A
Group which we see ourselves as belonging to
6
Q
What is an outgroup ?
A
Anyone not a part of the in-group
7
Q
What is social identification ?
A
- Individual adopting beliefs, values & attitudes of group they belong to
- Alter behaviour to fit in with norms
- Shift in thinking & self concept as social identity is formed
- Change appearance as well as behaviour
8
Q
What is social comparison ?
A
- Boosts self esteem through making comparisons between groups
- May not be objective = perceiving in group as superior
- Outgroup seen as inferior & achievements attributed to external factors
- Motivation for seeing in group as positive & outgroup as unfavourable
9
Q
What is self esteem attached to ?
A
Self concept = high self esteem means you feel good about yourself
10
Q
How is Lalonde supporting research ?
A
- Studies hockey team with poor performance & asked them about it
- Players claimed other team used ‘dirtier’ tactics
- In group bias from poor team
11
Q
How is Jane Elliott supporting research ?
A
- Brown/blue eyes experiment
- Whoever was told superior completed cognitive task quicker than inferior (brown eyed = 5m , blue eyed = 2.5m)
- Whoever got playground & discrimination occurred
12
Q
How is this theory reductionist ?
A
- RCT stands in contrast
- Cant explain how prejudice can be produced through competition & scarcity of resources
13
Q
What is a criticism ?
A
- Encouraging people to see themselves as part of larger social identity can combat outgroup discrimination
- Teaching ‘Britishness’ in schools may reduce conflict
- Can backfire for people ‘un-British’
14
Q
What is a better explanation ?
A
- Adorno’s Authoritarian Personality can better explain why some people cling to social identity for self esteem more than others
- Gaps in theory
15
Q
What is collective action ?
A
Members of less dominant group may act together against dominant group
16
Q
How is Weatherall supporting research ?
A
- Shouldn’t conclude intergroup conflict is inevitable
- Observations of New Zealand Ploynesians more likely to favour out group
- Collectivist cultures less likely to show prejudice
