social identity theory

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

a theory developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner that explains how group membership shapes individual self-concept, behaviour, and intergroup relations; social identity theory proposes that individuals derive part of their self-esteem from the social groups to which they belong, creating a motivation to view their own groups positively relative to other groups — in-group favouritism — in order to maintain a positive social identity; the theory distinguishes between personal identity — the individual's unique attributes — and social identity — the parts of self-concept derived from group memberships; when social identity is salient, individuals think and behave as group members rather than as individuals, applying group norms and stereotypes rather than personal attitudes; social identity theory explains in-group favouritism, out-group discrimination, intergroup conflict, and the conditions under which group members accept versus resist low-status group positions; it has been applied to understanding prejudice, nationalism, organisational identification, and the psychology of political polarisation