Social

Identity
Theory
They against Us – or where
conflict is born
Social Identity theory

+ Social identity theory is a theory of intergroup con ict.

+ It aims to explain why conflict and discrimination occur.
The context of SIT
+ Social identity theory is better understood when
placed in the context of previously existing
explanations of intergroup conflict:
▪ Theories of aggressive personality
▪ Realistic group conflict theory (Sherif 1966).
Theories of aggressive personality

+ Theories that stressed intrapersonal reasons (that is,

factors within the personality) largely ignored social
variables.
Realistic group conflict theory
(Sherif 1966)
+ This theory suggested that intergroup conflict is caused
by real conflict between group interests (competition
over scarce resources).
+ This theory emphasized social variables and did not pay
enough attention to the psychological variables.
Claims of social identity theory (2)
▪ Competition over resources is not always necessary for
the development of conflict between groups.
▪ The mere perception of belonging to two groups (social
categorization) is sufficient to trigger out-group
discrimination and in-group favouritism.
▪ Social categorization provides individuals with a means of
building their social identity.
▪ People define themselves in social terms, in terms of being
similar to or different from, “better” or “worse” than members
of other groups.
Claims of Social Identity Theory (2)
+ Individuals strive to achieve a positive social identity because
it increases their self-esteem
+ Positive social identity is based on distinctiveness: the in-
group must be perceived as positively different from (“better
than”) certain out-groups.
+ This involves the process of social comparison.
+ When social identity is not positive, individuals will try to
either leave the group or make the existing group
more positively distinct.
Minimal Group Paradigm
+ Some of these claims have been supported by
research studies using the so-called minimal group
paradigm.
+ In this experimental paradigm participants are randomly
+ classified as members of two groups on the basis of a
very trivial criterion.
+ The groups are purely cognitive as there is no objective
reason for the group members to compete.
Your task
+ Work independently.
+ Read Tajfel et al. (1971) from ManageBac
+ Go on ManageBac > Tasks and answer the questions in
the MS Form.
+ Prepare to respond to the questions in the next slides.
 Identify the research design used and
outline two characteristics of the design.
Suggest an alternative or additional research
design giving one reason for your choice.
Your task
+ Work in groups of 3 people.
+ Read Tajfel et al. (1971) from ManageBac
+ Respond in writing to the questions in the next slide.
+ Each group name a spokesperson to present the
responses to the questions.
+ Each group will be assessed based on intragroup discussion.
+ Each student will be assessed based on their engagement.
Inquiry questions
+ How does the study demonstrate the experimental
technique called "minimal group paradigm"?
+ How does the procedure support the claims and
principles of Social Identity Theory?
+ How can we explain the results in terms of Social Identity
Theory?