Knowra Social identity theory Social identity theory Social identity theory explains how people define part of themselves through group memberships and how those identities shape intergroup behavior, including favoritism toward one's own group.
Social categorization : The mental process of sorting people, including oneself, into groups based on perceived shared characteristics. It is the first step in the theory's account of how group boundaries shape perception.
Henri Tajfel : A social psychologist whose research on categorization, identity, and intergroup relations helped establish social identity theory. He formulated the theory with John Turner and led foundational minimal-group research.
Organizational identification : The extent to which a person defines themself through membership in an organization. It applies social identity processes to employees' attachment and behavior within workplaces.
Social identity model of deindividuation effects : A model proposing that anonymity can strengthen group-based norms and identity rather than simply weaken self-control. It applies social identity mechanisms to behavior in anonymous groups and online settings.
Intergroup bias : A systematic difference in attitudes, judgments, or treatment based on whether people belong to the same or different groups. Social identity theory explains one route by which group membership produces biased evaluations.
Social identification : The process of incorporating a group membership into one's self-concept and acting in line with its meaning. It explains how categorizing a group becomes part of personal identity.
John Turner : A social psychologist who co-developed social identity theory and later helped formulate self-categorization theory. His work extended the theory's explanation of group processes and collective behavior.
National identity : A sense of belonging to a nation, often tied to shared history, culture, territory, or citizenship. It shows how group identification can shape political attitudes and relations between populations.
Social dominance theory : A theory explaining group-based hierarchy through social dominance orientation, legitimizing beliefs, and institutional practices. It focuses on the maintenance of hierarchy, a different emphasis from identity and intergroup comparison.
Collective action : Coordinated action by people pursuing a shared goal, often to advance or defend a group's interests. The theory connects group identification and perceived status injustice to willingness to act together.
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