Identification: Social Theory Analysis

As I explored the aspects of identity through filling out the social identity wheel, I was able to distinguish the elements which make up my social identity and make note of the ones which I was most aware of. Through this exercise I began to realize that my age, gender, and religion were all aspects which heavily influence my everyday life. I may not be intentionally thinking of these things during an ordinary day, but I deem them as primary aspects due to the fact that they shape many of my routine happenings. For example, here on campus I try to attend the church service at St. Paul’s on as many Sundays as time allots. Luckily enough, a few girls on my floor are also interested in this so we often attend as a group. This heavily correlates

The process of Social Identity Theory consists of in-group members who will communicate the positive aspects

This theme of suffering can apply to the social identity theory. The social identity theory proposes that a person's sense of self stems from the groups in which they surround themselves with. According to Tajfel and Turner in 1986, we think well of and act similarly to the groups we belong to, and we are sometimes motivated to go against competing groups (as cited in Harwood, 2007, p. 44). Social identity theory is validated through in-groups (person perceives themselves as part of the group) and out-groups (person does not identify to a group). Through the in-groups and out-groups there lies three processes: social categorization, social identification, and social comparison.

The first area observed was social psychological. Social psychology is the scientific study of human social behavior (Hogg & Abrams, 1988). The social identity theory is the fundamental theory developed from this approach. Social identity is defined as 'the individual's knowledge that he belongs to certain social groups together with some emotional and value significance to him of the group membership' (Hogg, 2001). A social group or organization is two or more people who share a common social identity and recognize themselves as members of this group. This theory allows you to takes yourself and classify it in relation to social categories; this takes place through a process of social comparison. This process is when group members compare themselves to other group members and to non group members. This process is a large reason for discrimination between group members and non group members. Discrimination causes people to emphasize positive similarities between themselves and other members of their group while causing emphasis on negative differences between

Differentiating viewpoints in normals determines a person’s “membership in a highly stigmatized group.” Stigma is rejection by others in its essence. Social identity theory states that, “people want a positive social identity and to feel good about social groups they belong to.” Social identity theory also assumes that people that are excluded from a group, out-group members, are not

Social identity theory proposed by Tajfel & Turner (2004) is a theory of group membership and behaviour which has made significant contributions in explaining in-group favouritism, out-group denigration, competition and other interactions of an individual among social groups (Korte, 2007; Brown, 2000; Tajfel & Turner, 2004). Social identity theory can be defined as an individual’s sense of who they are based on the group that they belong to through a process of self-categorisation and depersonalisation (Tajfel & Turner, 2004). In this essay, I will define social identity theory through its three mental processes involved in group evaluation which are: social identification which is a process whereby we are placed into certain

The title assigned to this compilation of E.A. Judge’s essays is very appropriate. The Social Distinctives title describes the essence of these essays. Judge shows how Christians in the First Century are socially distinct from other voluntary associations in the Greco Roman world. Judge examines papyrological, inscriptional, and epigraphical evidence that inform readers of the social context of the first century Christians.

Both of these perspectives are both viable to individual’s identity within society. Charles Taylor stated “in order to have a sense of who we are, we have to have a notion of how we have become and where we are going” this suggests that identity is built over time and having an understanding of self attributes to a more authentic perception of self. An individual may not always portray their authentic self; however these individuals have all develop attributes of trust, anxiety shame and guilt. While both perspectives are limited in discussing other keys aspects which go into forming an identity they both suggest that social interactions play a major role in the development of

Social identity is a theory which explains how people develop a sense of belong and membership to a group. Individual’s social identity is part of their self-concept which derives from their knowledge of their membership of a social group together with the emotional significance attached to that membership (Forsyth, 13). People are influenced on the group they belong to. Belonging to the in-group makes a person feel good because they belong somewhere in this group and allows them to feel important. The out-group is where people feel to be, they do not belong to a group and have feeling of exclusion and are often times treated more harshly than someone who belongs to the ingroup. This bias of favoring the ingroup relative to the outgroup leads to false impressions being made and stereotypes forming. Stereotypes help us navigate the world around us by providing a quick representation of what we think a person is like. This does not mean our perceptions are always correct and occasionally, this quick mental shortcut can get us into trouble. For example, the film 12 Angry Men stereotyping was rampant among the jury. When a stereotype is used it can cause a disruption of procedures. Instead, of inspecting all the evidence with an objective eye a bias can allow for systematic

We each have a unique personality that no one else can match perfectly but our social identity is a way to connect to other through our similar characteristics. King (2012) states “Social identity is the way individuals define themselves in terms of their group membership” (pg. 428). We all have titles we carry with us like being a mother or father, a daughter or son, and even a sister or brother the list can go on and on. Within these individualities we have a

One could argue that this then inflates our sense of belonging in the world if we feel that there are others who share similar values to us. This then strengthens our resolve by essentially confirming that we are engaging in the right behaviours and holding the right ideals as we associate ourselves with others who feel the same as we do. This then leads them to strengthen our tenacity of in-group favouritism by rewarding our prejudiced behaviours. A positive outcome of this is that it can have a flow on effect to our altruistic nature as human beings and we would be more likely to help those with whom we feel a certain affiliation. It is in this regard that the Social Identity Theory can yield positive results through a framework of philanthropic behaviour and support for in-group members. The converse of this behaviour is that we see an increase in negative behaviours towards those with whom we feel have conflicting goals and essentially belong to an “out group”.

Social Identity Theory has a considerable impact on social psychology. It is tested in a wide range of

Society has a way of making assumptions based on one’s physical characteristics. Often at times we categorize individuals to a particular social group. In regard to society’ perception of an individual this however, contributes to the development of social construction of racism. Most people want to be identified as individuals rather than a member of specific social group. As a result, our social identity contains different categories or components that were influenced or imposed. For example, I identify as a, Jamaican, Puerto Rican and a person of color. I identify racially as a person of color and ethically as Jamaican and Puerto Rican. According to Miller and Garren it’s a natural human response for people to make assumptions solely

Social identity theory, it is a person’s sense that is based around the group they are in, either by their personal identity or with different kinds of social identities. That is, people will try to improve their own image of themselves. The theory was proposed by Henri Tajfel. People can increase their self-esteem by both their own achievement and interaction with a successful group of people. This shows the importance of social belonging. This theory is based around three mental processes, social categorization, social identification and social comparison.

An individual’s identity is shaped and created by many factors such as family, culture, and friendship groups (Trepte, S. 2206). The individual’s personal identity of “self” may alter when interacting with any of these groups due to the influence and the characteristics these groups possess (Burke, PJ. Sets, JE. 2000). The human desire to feel a sense of belonging is the driving force for individuals to create themselves around particular groups (Trepte, S. 2206). When people find out that their experiences, thoughts and feelings are mirrored by other people, an immediately connection is formed due to the understanding that they are not isolated in their experiences (Rogers, W.S. 2011). The common ground individuals find in others, allows for the formation of groups (Trepte, S. 2206). The “commonality” amongst certain groups of people allow for Social Categorization (Burke, PJ. Sets, JE. 2000). Social