Prejudice - Social Identity Theory

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  • Created by: Abi
  • Created on: 09-05-22 10:58

The mere presence of another group can lead to prejudice - being aware of the existence of another group is sufficient for prejudice to occur. It can be explained by our tendency to identify ourselves as part of a group and to classify others as either within or outside that group. 

There are THREE stages of Social Identity Theory:

Social Categorisation - when we categorise ourselves as being in a particular group often based on stereotypes. The group we belong to is the in-group and any comparison group is the out-group. 

Social Identificiation - when we identity with a particular group and adopt the behaviours of that group. We may also take on the group's norms and values. The way we view ourselves is affected by how well the group is doing relative to other groups. 

Social Comparison - when we compare our own group (the ingroup) more favourable against other groups (out-groups) to boost our self esteem. According to Social Identity Theory, we deliberately put down others to try and raise out own self-esteem. We continuously want to achieve a positive image and do this in 2 ways:

1. Personal Identity - our own unique qualities, personality and self-esteem is formed from a self-image a person holds about themselves.

2. Social Identity - the attributes of the group to which people belong to. 

Tajfel (1971) - Minimal Groups Study

Investigated whether the simple act of grouping was enough to produce prejudice between groups of very similar people. 

A sample of Bristol schoolboys was

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