Social identity theory in group out group software block diagram examples

5.5. Social Identity TheoryBy the end of this section:You will be able to evaluate social identity theory by making reference to relevant studies. Note that social identity theory is discussed further in sections....Exam advice box: It is essential that you understand social identity theory very well. Note that coverage of this theory continues in sections 5.4, 5.6 and 5.7.Social Identity Theory (SIT)wasdeveloped by Tajfel and his colleagues (e.g., Tajfel and Turner, 1979) and is based on the following four interrelated concepts: social categorizationsocial identitysocial comparisonpositive distinctivenessSocial categorization: Social categorisation divides the social environment into ingroups, to which an individual belongs to (us), and outgroups, which the individual doesnot belong to(them). Categorisation into ingroup and outgroups, like any other type of categorization,reduces perceived variability within the ingroup (weare similar to one another).reduces perceives variability in the outgroup (theyare all the same).increases perceived variabilitybetween the ingroup and the outgroup (weare different from them).
This exaggeration of group differences and intragroup similaries, result of social categorization, is called the category accentuation effect.Exercise: Give examples to illustrate some of the possible consequences of categorising your school’s population into different social groups? How about your school, compared to other schools?Social identity isthat part of ourself concept,which is based onknowledge of our membership of one or more social groups.Social identity is separate from personal identity,which is the partof the self-concept that derives from the way we perceive our personality traits and the personal relationships we have with other people (Turner, 1982). Personal identity is associated with interpersonal behaviours. Social identity, on the other hand, is related to intergroup behaviours. When I relate to you interpersonally, it is my individual characteristics that determine my behaviour. When, on the other hand, we relate towards one another as members of separate groups it will be our social identities that will determine our behaviours.Consider competition, for example: As Fiske (2008) notes, apair of individuals can compete either as individuals or as members of rival teams. Peoplecan have severalsocial and personal identities, reflecting thegroups they identify withand theclose relationships and personal characteristics that define them as individuals.Exercise: Are the behaviours that define the interaction between teachers and students interpersonal behaviours, intergroup behaviours, or both? Key fact: Interpersonal behavior is different to intergroup behaviour.