Social identity

Social Identity is "a person's sense of who they are or self-concept based on their group membership", meaning their social in-group, or out-group.

In 1979, Henri Tajfel and John Turner proposed the social identity theory. This was away to explain intergroup behaviour and that all groups are important to our social identity – they essentially give us a sense of belonging in society.

 

There are two main groups, in – groups and out – groups. In (us) groups are the people who a person shares a common identity, and then by definition out (them) groups are those who a person is perceived as different, not in their in – group. Thus, our social identity is satisfied by in – groups, and dissatisfied by out – groups. We identify ‘us’ and ‘them’ categorisation through these mental processes

• Categorisation: categorise and identify to understand social environment.
• Social Identification: adopt identity of group put ourselves in.
• Social Comparison: compare to other groups.

 

An example of in-groups and out-groups would be Mods and Rockers, two conflicting British subcultures in the 1960s/70s.

 

Mods were clean cut, fur trimmed parka wearing youths who listen to soul and British blues bands. In contrast, Rockers were influenced by Rock n Roll, leather jacket wearing and creeper adoring youths who were centred on motorcycling.

 

Throughout the period, they are known for their conflicting ideologies as both went through social comparison, sometimes leading to violent outbursts such as psychical fighting.