Social Identity
Social identity generally relates to how people identify themselves in relation to others according to what they have in common. Social identity offers people a framework of socializing and a sense of self-esteem but it can also influence their behavior. According to a research carried out people tend to favor members of their own group, in spite of whether the task to the group was based on the smallest commonality even if it was arbitrary. Similarly, social identity can also influence how others treat you. The social identity theory mainly focuses on the connection between group behavior and self-concept. This theory basically explains that the distinct aspects of individuals’ characteristics motivate them at different times. The identity element that motivates behavior will be ascertained by the precise situation that the individual is in. The individual can rely on social identity or personal identity.
In reference to social identity theory, intergroup behavior and social identity is guided by the quest of assessing positive social identity via positive intergroup distinctiveness, which then is motive by the desire for positive self-esteem. In other words, an individual’s behavior is affected by their positive relationship with their group, when their status or self-esteem is elevated by that relationship (Lawler, 2006). Studies show that social identity is mainly motivated by uncertainty reduction and self-enhancement, which makes groups to be better than and different from other groups. There are three elements identified by scholars in the social identity theory namely group commitment, group self-esteem and self categorization. Group commitment is the strength of commitment an individual feels to their in-group. This is extremely significant because if a person feels they can easily move to better status group, this individual will likely not show much engagement and solidarity in a great deal of direct intergroup competition. This individual will work
In reference to social identity theory, intergroup behavior and social identity is guided by the quest of assessing positive social identity via positive intergroup distinctiveness, which then is motive by the desire for positive self-esteem. In other words, an individual’s behavior is affected by their positive relationship with their group, when their status or self-esteem is elevated by that relationship (Lawler, 2006). Studies show that social identity is mainly motivated by uncertainty reduction and self-enhancement, which makes groups to be better than and different from other groups. There are three elements identified by scholars in the social identity theory namely group commitment, group self-esteem and self categorization. Group commitment is the strength of commitment an individual feels to their in-group. This is extremely significant because if a person feels they can easily move to better status group, this individual will likely not show much engagement and solidarity in a great deal of direct intergroup competition. This individual will work
References: Cooper, C. L., & Antoniou, A.-S. G. (2012). The psychology of the recession on the workplace. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Kinneberg, B. E. (2013). Intergroup Theories (Integrated Threat, Social Identity and Social Dominance). Retrieved June 18, 2013 from https://wikispaces.psu.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=41095610 Lawler, E. J., & Thye, S. R. (2006). Social psychology of the workplace. Amsterdam [u.a.: Elsevier JAI. Turner, J. C. (1982). Towards a cognitive redefinition of the social group. In H. Tajfel (ed.), Social Identity and Intergroup Relations. Cambridge: Cambridge university press. University Of Twente. (n.d).social identity theory. retrieved June 18,2013 from http://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/Interpersonal%20Communication%20and%20Relations/Social_Identity_Theory.doc/