Identity: Who am I?

Identity consists of personal identity + social

identity
Social identity often based on group affiliations

SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY

This theory is all about becoming part of
different groups, and how membership to
these groups helps construct our
identities.
They suggested that people have an
inbuilt tendency to categorise themselves
into one or more in-groups, building a
part of their identity on the basis of
membership of that group and enforcing
boundaries with other groups.

Important definitions

In-groups: Groups that we belong to

Out-group: Groups that we do not
belong to

THE FOUR ELEMENTS

Social categorization
Social identity
Social comparison
Psychological group distinctiveness

CATEGORISATION
This looks at the way in which people put
others (and ourselves) into categories. We
label one another based on interest,
ethnicity, gender, occupation and other
factors.
Calling someone a Muslim, footballer,
student, emo, mother, for example, are ways
in which we do this.
IMPORTANT this is not always negative
and is different to stereotyping.

IDENTIFICATION
Once a social identity has been identified, people
will choose to associate with certain groups.
Your collective identity becomes your in-group.
This could be you family, a friendship group
even your class. This closeness functions to boost
our self esteem and to create a sense of
belonging.
A group or individual that poses as a threat to
your in-group is called the out-group.
Examples of this would be an outside family
member, a new member to class, someone from
a different ethnic background, or more close to
home, somebody from the other side of the social
area!

COMPARISON
People compare themselves and their groups
with other groups, seeing a favourable bias
towards the group in which they belong.
Nowadays we see younger people dividing
themselves into social groups or subcultures
based on clothing, the music they listen to or
other interests. Examples of this are emos, goths
and hoodies.
The state desired by individuals in which the in group has an
identity that is perceived by the group members as being both
distinct and positive vis--vis relevant comparison groups.

Psychological Group Distinctiveness

The state desired by individuals in which the in

group has an identity that is perceived by the
group members as being both distinct and
positive vis--vis relevant comparison groups.