Social Identity Theory - Tajfel and Turner, (1979)

Question 1

Social identity theory

Answer 1

Strong desire to belongDerive from self esteem through group membership and acceptance by others

Question 2

What’s social behaviour driven by

Answer 2

Motivation to maintain positive sense of self as a valued member of society

Question 3

Social categorisation

Answer 3

Sorting people into groupIn group = belongingOut group = compromises anyone not in ingroupExistence of outgroup causes prejudice

Question 4

Social identification

Answer 4

See yourself as belonging to the groupOutwards changes = altering behaviour to fit with group normsInward changes = change to self concept as new social identity forms

Question 5

Social comparisons

Answer 5

To engineer positive social comparison you say nice things about ur group bad things about out groupIngroup is seen as superior and outgroup inferior

Question 6

Positive distinctiveness

Answer 6

Desire to see in group as betterDifferences between groups are emphasised and similarities are minimised

Question 7

Cognitive process may lead to

Answer 7

Prejudice = perception of out group as inferiorDiscrimination = treating out group member different based on unfavourable views of group

Question 8

Strength

Answer 8

TajfelTold boys which other behaved like them (which chose same painting)Boys gave points later to each otherMore points given to ingroupOutgroup points maximised even if it reduced total for ingroupSocial categorisation is sufficient to trigger in group favouritism and discrimination against out group

Question 9

CA

Answer 9

Privately allocating points lacks mundane realismDiscrimination isnt this covalentWe are less discriminatory in real life = social consequences

Question 10

Weakness

Answer 10

WetherellReplicated TajfelNew zealandPolynesian children more generous than white SIT is ethnocentric

Question 11

Application

Answer 11

Fein and spencer 1997Manipulated students self esteemLow self-esteem rated jewish job applicants less than italian applicantSelf esteem raised and reduced jewish prejudicePrejudice can be reduced by implementing policies targeting low self esteem