Download Social Identity Theory

The Theories of Prejudice
2.
Social Identity Theory (SIT)
We will now turn to the second explanation of prejudice. We have various means of reducing the complexity
of our social world and one of these is to classify groups as ‘us’ and ‘them’ (in-groups and out-groups). We
favour members of our in-group when we have nothing to gain personally. The effect of such prejudiced
attitudes is discrimination against group members.
SIT was developed by Tajfel and Turner (1979) in order to understand the psychological basis of intergroup
discrimination. Apart from ‘personal identity’ an individual also has a number of ‘social identities’. Because
people divide their world into distinct social categories (age, gender, nationality, religion and even football
affiliation), our social identity is based on perceived membership of these social groups.
Prejudice is a result of our need to boost our own social self-esteem by distinguishing our group (the in-group)
from other groups (the out-groups). This process inevitably produces a comparison that enhances
characteristics of our own group at the expense of the out-group.
Two biases are involved: the belief that our own group is superior, leading to behaviours that favour our
group (in-group favouritism) and the belief that other groups are inferior, leading to acts that discriminate
against them (out-group discrimination).
Tajfel and others have attempted to identify the minimal conditions that would lead to in-group favouritism
and out-group discrimination. It has been found that the mere categorisation of yourself as a member of a
group rather than another is enough to encourage out-group discrimination. [See Tajfel research study].
Evaluation of Social Identity Theory
The importance of self esteem
A number of studies have demonstrated that when groups have lowered self-esteem, they are more likely
to show in-group bias. However, this is not always the case; some studies have found that in-group bias is
higher in groups with enhanced status and self-esteem. This suggests that, although the need to raise selfesteem is an important determinant of in-group bias and intergroup discrimination, its role is not always
clear.
Does in-group bias equal prejudice?
Most of the studies of SIT have shown clear evidence of in-group bias, but is this the same as prejudice?
Research has tended to support the idea of in-group favouritism but there is not such strong support for
out-group discrimination. Indeed, many studies have shown that both in-group members and out-group
members are treated positively, although the former more so than the latter.
What would happen if individuals were given the opportunity to behave negatively against the out-group?
Mummendey et al (1992) did just that. Instead of allocating rewards, participants were asked to distribute
unpleasant high-pitched tones to in-group and out-group members; rather than discriminate against the
out-group, participants attempted to minimise the negative experience for all group members.
Activities:
1.
Using the following terms explain Social Identity theory (SIT)
In-group, out-group, biased, self-esteem, favouritism, discrimination
2.
3.
What was found out about discrimination through doing minimal group studies?
”In-group bias equals prejudice” Discuss.