Developing individual in society Lecture 15: 19/04/2021 The Social Identity Approach Lecturer: Annemieke van den Tol Social Identity approach: Combination of the social identity theory and self-categorization theory. Highly influential theory of group and intergroup processes, and relations between as well as within them. Social identity theory: Introduces the concept of social identity in the context of an analysis of intergroup relations. (Tajfel 1978, Tajfel & Turner 1979). Frequently described as a meta- theory. Meta-theory: A broad framework from which more specific theories can be inferred. Self-categorisation theory: Clarifies the concept and its relationship to other levels of identity. (Turner 1982, Turner et al. 1987, Turner et al. 1994.) Social Identity Theory - The individuals self-concept, derived from a persons perceived membership of a social group. - This theory introduced the concept of social identity in the context of an analysis of intergroup relations. - A person does not have just one 'self' but have several selves. Such as being a football fan, being from the UK, being a psychology student. - Different contexts can trigger different social identities, which become more salient dependent on the situation. Group: Defined as two or more people who define themselves, and defined by others, as a group. They have a sense of 'us' compared to 'them'. An in-group is a term used to define groups we belong to. Ad hoc collection of individuals with no history of association; therefore, no pre-existent norms ps we do not belong to. Distinctive behaviour, or behaviour of distinctive individuals, is perceived as the implicit norm Normative influence comes into play, creating pressures against non-conformity Inaction of majority interpreted as tacit confirmation of the norm; pressures against non-conformity increase Groups do emerge from nothing. Collective behaviour
Key elements of the Social Identity theory: - Social categorization o Cognitive tendency to divide the social world into categories. o Categorical differentiation sharpens the distinctions between the categories, and blurs differences within them. - Social identity o Part of your self-concept that derives from knowledge of his membership in a social group. This couples with the value and emotional significance associated to that membership. - Social comparison o The process through which characteristics of the ingroup are compared to that of the outgroup, the other. - Psychological group distinctiveness o The state wanted by individuals where the ingroup has an identity perceived by group members as being distinct and positive with regard to relevant comparison groups. The social identity theory states that human interaction ranges on a spectrum, from purely interpersonal to purely intergroup. Interpersonal interaction: Rare and involves people relating only as individuals. They cannot be aware of social categories, with no group membership influencing the interaction. o At the end of the spectrum: Personal identity, self-image, attitudes, memories, behaviours and emotions. Intergroup interaction: When people relate entirely as members of their group. One's idiosyncratic individual qualities are overwhelmed by the importance of group membership. o At the side of this spectrum: The aspects of a persons self-image derived from