Social Identity
Social identity refers to the part of an individual’s self-concept that is derived from their membership in various social groups. In social psychology, social identity theory suggests that people categorize themselves and others into various social groups based on shared characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, profession, etc.
Social identity is an important part of an individual’s sense of self and influences their behavior, attitudes, beliefs, and values. It can also shape how individuals perceive and interact with others in their social groups and those outside of their groups.
Social identity theory also explains how individuals may develop a positive sense of self-esteem by identifying with high-status groups, and may experience negative emotions such as discrimination and prejudice when they perceive threats to their social identity.
Theory's on social identity
There are several theories on social identity in social psychology. Some of the most prominent ones are:
Social Identity Theory: Developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, this theory proposes that individuals categorize themselves and others into various social groups based on shared characteristics such as race, gender, religion, nationality, etc. Social identity theory suggests that individuals derive a part of their self-concept from their membership in these groups, and that their group membership influences their behavior, attitudes, beliefs, and values.
Self-Categorization Theory: This theory builds on social identity theory and proposes that individuals not only categorize themselves and others based on shared characteristics but also categorize their social contexts. Self-categorization theory suggests that individuals derive a sense of social identity from their social context, which influences their behavior and attitudes.
Social Dominance Theory: This theory proposes that society is structured in a way that creates and maintains group-based hierarchies. Social dominance theory suggests that individuals derive a part of their self-concept from their group’s status in the hierarchy and that high-status groups are more likely to maintain their dominance through intergroup conflict.
Identity Process Theory: This theory suggests that individuals engage in an ongoing process of identity negotiation, which involves both individual and social factors. Identity process theory proposes that individuals negotiate their social identities by seeking validation from others and by engaging in social comparison with others.
Functions of Social identity
Social identity serves several functions in social psychology, including:
Providing a sense of belonging: Social identity helps individuals feel like they belong to a group and are part of a larger community. This sense of belonging can provide social support and increase feelings of self-esteem and well-being.
Defining in-group and out-group boundaries: Social identity helps individuals distinguish between in-groups (groups they belong to) and out-groups (groups they do not belong to). This differentiation can lead to the formation of stereotypes and prejudice towards out-groups.
Establishing social norms: Social identity can help establish social norms and expectations within a group. These norms can influence behavior and attitudes and can shape how individuals interact with others within and outside of their group.
Providing a source of social comparison: Social identity can provide a source of social comparison, allowing individuals to evaluate themselves and their group relative to other groups. This comparison can influence self-esteem and motivation.
Supporting collective action: Social identity can facilitate collective action within a group, such as social movements or political activism, by promoting a shared sense of identity and purpose.
