Psychologist Henri Tajfel first introduced social identity theory in 1979. The theory posits that an individual’s self-identity is rooted in social interactions or relations with other members of society (Hogg, 2018). This theory suggests that to develop a sense of self-worth, we invest in building meaningful statuses in the social groups to which we belong. These social groups include religious institutions, ethnic groups, nationality, profession, sexuality, or even athletic teams. According to the theory, individuals are more inclined to be biased in favor of members of their group. They elicit some aspects of favoritism toward some members according to individual preferences and social affiliations.
The social identity theory extensively explains gender biases (Benson, 2020), substance abuse among peers (Frings et al., 2021), language and mannerisms within a group (Hogg, 2018), and self-actualization, including one’s fundamental interests and beliefs (Mcleod, 2019). This literature review delves into the existing literature on the theory of social identity and discusses new findings and shortcomings of the theory.
The central theme of this review is to investigate whether the existence of social groups drives cultural appreciation and harmony. Based on the ideas of the social identity theory, groups have often demonstrated prejudiced attitudes towards people of another group different from their own. It often results in societal conflicts, marginalization, and deviance (Mcleod, 2019). Proponents of the theory posit that self-esteem and self-identity arise from affiliation with a particular group.
Group members then establish norms and values by which they abide – assimilation (Chi, 2022). Subsequently, they develop a bias towards individuals outside of their own, develop a negative opinion about them, and exhibit a positive outlook of their group – favoritism. This paper will analyze whether social identities created in social groups drive a positive outcome in society toward unity, peace, and harmony rather than exacerbate their differences. With the aid of social identity theory, we examine whether intergroup dynamics are drivers of conflict or resolution.
It is not uncommon for group members to form biases over time. Social identity theory explains that intergroup relations do not lack elements of prejudice. Contributors to the theory coined the terms’ in-group’ and ‘out-group,’ explaining that group members (in-group) will view their norms, principles, beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors better than those outside the group (Mcleod, 2019). Hodson & Earle (2020) explain that in-group members exhibit favoritism and out-group discrimination. Antagonistic inter-group relations are bound to occur due to out-group dynamics resulting in destructive forms of violence (Felty, 2019). Intergroup bias influences culture and societal dynamics, resulting from customs and social preferences about positive lifestyles.
It is desirable to identify with a group that depicts a positive characteristic that is unique to them. A sense of pride often ensues with a particular distinctiveness relative to other groups. Ball & Branscombe (2019) postulate that when an in-group elicits more similarities than differences with out-groups, the group’s future remains under threat. The members will identify less with their group and risk assimilation by members who have a more grounded identity in their respective groups. It is evident in minority groups whose norms and value systems are threatened by those of a more prominent and distinct group. Research shows that when two groups have a minimal resemblance to the next group, they tend to exhibit signs of solidarity with each other (Ball & Branscombe, 2019). In this way, intergroup similarities drive solidarity and loyalty.
Conversely, this solidarity within a group can breed a ‘distinctiveness threat.’ A situation in which in-group members express concern regarding losing the group’s unique nature by another or being overshadowed (Ball & Branscombe, 2019; Mcleod, 2019; Hogg, 2018). It is the case in groups that have better identifiers to the group. They exhibit fear of being assimilated and thus demonstrate a higher degree of stereotyping of out-groups. That results in disputes and discrimination (Ball & Branscombe, 2019). Mcleod (2019) emphasizes that the presentation of rivalry and competition between groups is essential in building members’ self-esteem. He posits that rivalry starts with the intrinsic need to compare favorably relative to others. A study showed that group dynamics play a significant role in conflicts due to differences in values and belief systems (Felty, 2019). Hodson & Earle (2020) reiterate this and point out that drivers of the divide are rival interests for land, authority, and status, socioeconomic incentives, social control, or group identity.
Intergroup dynamics are only sometimes characterized by favoritism inside the organization and animosity from outside it at other times. Positive association across groups is apparent in various studies. In Ball & Branscombe (2019), they demonstrated that groups having standard norms and values (in some cases, joint suffering) brings them closer together. The study explains that marginalized groups will form an allegiance with each other in solidarity to confront the issues they grapple with.
Vecci & Želinský (2019) elaborate that minority groups are more inclined to watch media productions with members of other minority groups as them. The limited showcasing of these communities drives them to appreciate the rare times they feature in the media. They are often portrayed in a negative light or even not at all in some cases. Hence, when portrayed positively, it boosts their in-group vitality – a concept known as ethnolinguistic identity theory (Vecci & Želinský, 2019). A positive depiction of a marginalized or minority group reduces stereotypes about the group. In turn, it brings positive intergroup association and relations.
An individual’s association with a group depends on the benefits of being a member and the group’s attributes, including their values, norms, beliefs, and mannerisms. Ohlert & Zepp (2017) illustrate the importance of social identity theory in understanding sports team dynamics. They emphasize that having that shared group identity as a sports team boosts their overall performance. In addition, it fosters team cohesion and successful team leadership. On the contrary, Frings et al. (2021) have demonstrated how team members negatively influence each other toward harmful behaviors such as substance abuse. The authors argue that the behavior’s popularity exacerbates the tendency to engage in substance abuse within the group and approval of it by the members.
The need to feel included drives substance abuse trends such as drinking. Most young people desire to be part of social groups with a high level of influence among their peers (Frings et al., 2021). Per the social identity theory, group membership ultimately influences individual traits and behaviors. Additionally, social identities encourage recovery among addicts. An example of such a group is Alcoholics Anonymous. Having a common goal gives group members the confidence to quit and maintain their sobriety in the long run (Frings et al., 2021). Recovery attempts record better success when patients become part of a recovery group. Group membership drives both desirable characteristics and unpleasant traits, especially among young adults and adolescents.
Group identity or membership creates both positive and negative outcomes. To gear society towards achieving more positive outcomes implementing specific strategies will go a long way. Hodson & Earle (2020) suggest that to reduce the level of prejudice among groups, interactions by members of varied social groups can interact together and engage in projects together. Relating to individuals outside one’s group and creating friendships over time leads to favorable sentiments about the other group. Overall, individuals exhibit fewer stereotypes about one another if various groups achieve this. Further, peers are encouraged to be wary of groups whose focus is non-constructive tendencies that hinder their path to success (Frings et al., 2021). Positive intergroup relations lead to harmony and a sense of pride among members.
Social identity theory explains and studies group dynamics. Its application includes understanding regional conflicts, refugee crises, racial prejudice, climate change, and wars between nations. A gap lies in its application to study the promotion of peace among societal groups. Many studies explain that in-groups tend to have a bias toward an out-group (Benson, 2020; Felty, 2019; Hogg, 2018; Hodson & Earle, 2020; McLeod, 2019). This prejudice often results in ethnic strife, civil war, social alienation, protests, and hate crimes. Limited studies demonstrate how intergroup relations bring about desirable outcomes. It arises from cooperative interdependence, shared aims, and everyday struggles such as underrepresentation (Vecci & Želinský, 2019; Ball & Branscombe, 2019). Perceived similarity and commonality are critical drivers of intergroup collaboration. There is limited research in this area to support this claim which is the main focus of this research.
References
Ball, T. C., & Branscombe, N. R. (2019). When do groups with a victimized past feel solidarity with other victimized groups? In Confronting prejudice and discrimination (pp. 73-92). Academic Press.
Benson, J. B. (2020). Gender: Awareness, identity, and stereotyping. Encyclopedia of Infant and Early Childhood Development, 1–12. Web.
Chi, R. (2022). Understanding Social Identity theory. Future Learn. Web.
Felty, S. (2019). Social Identity Theory and Intergroup Conflict in Israel/Palestine. Homeland Security Affairs. Web.
Frings, D., Wood, K. V., & Albery, I. P. (2021). New converts and seasoned campaigners: the role of social identity at different stages in the addiction recovery journey. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 28(5), 496–503. Web.
Hodson, G., & Earle, M. (2020). Social Identity Theory (SIT). In Encyclopedia of personality and individual differences (pp. 1–7). Springer.
Hogg, M. A. (2018). Social Identity Theory. In Understanding peace and conflict through social identity theory. Springer, Cham.
Mcleod, S. (2019). Social Identity Theory. Simply Psychology. Web.
Ohlert, J., & Zepp, C. (2017). Theory-Based Team Diagnostics and Interventions. In Sport and exercise psychology research (pp. 347–370). Academic Press.
Vecci, J., & Želinský, T. (2019). Behavioral challenges of minorities: Social identity and role models. PLoS ONE, 14(7). Web.