Social Identity Theory (SIT)

Overview

• Social Identity Theory argues that individuals possess multiple social selves, each corresponding to different group memberships.
• It emphasizes the need to understand our identity and value in social contexts.

Key Concepts

• Social Identity: View of self in relation to group memberships.
• Personal Identity: View of self on an individual or private level.

Tajfel’s Theory Stages

Stage 1: Categorization

• Awareness of group existence through observation.
• Groups categorized by qualities like nationality, religion, etc.
• Influenced by upbringing and environment.

Stage 2: Identification

• Choosing categories we relate to, e.g., athlete or teacher.
• Identification fosters belonging and impacts behavior.
• Validation from similar group members encourages continued group conformity.

Stage 3: Comparison

• "Us vs Them" mentality arises.
• In-group (our group) vs. out-group (others).
• Desire to increase self-esteem through positive in-group comparison.
• In-group bias occurs, even with arbitrary group formations.

Assumptions of SIT

1. Individuals aim to enhance self-esteem and create positive self-images.
2. Group belonging influences social identity positively or negatively.
3. Evaluation through in-group vs. out-group comparison.

Identity Theory

• Focuses on identity salience: likelihood of identity activation.
• Hierarchy of identities influenced by commitment.
• Greater commitment enhances identity salience.

Study 1: Levine (2005)

Background

• Investigated social group membership’s impact on helping behavior.
• Explored both inhibition and facilitation of helping.

Aims

• Examine group membership’s importance and inclusiveness in helping behavior.

Procedure

• Conducted at Lancaster University with participants as Manchester United supporters.
• Two conditions: focus on team support vs. positive fan identity.

Results

• Participants helped in-group members significantly more.
• Expanded identity led to helping out-group members as well.

Conclusion

• Flexible group bonds can extend helping behavior through inclusive identity perceptions.

Evaluation and Applications

Testability

• Theory is testable but challenging in natural environments.
• Ethical concerns in studies like Sherif’s.

Evidence

• Abrams et al. (1990) and Tajfel et al. (1971) supported in-group bias and conformity.

Applicability

• Explains and influences behaviors, e.g., reducing football hooliganism.
• Studies like Drury et al. (2009) show manipulated social identity enhances helping behaviors.

Constructs

• Difficulty in measuring identity salience and its impact on self-esteem.
• Questions about online/global identities.

Unbiased

• Theory is cross-culturally applicable and holistic.

Predictions

• Group identity salience can predict behavior.
• More explanatory than predictive in some contexts.

Drury et al. (2009) Study

• Investigated social identity’s role in helping during emergencies using VR simulations.
• Found group identification increased willingness to help others.

Conclusion

• Social Identity Theory provides insight into group dynamics and personal identity's impact on behavior.
• It highlights the importance of inclusive group identities to enhance prosocial behavior.