Social Identity Theory - Unit 1 The Social Approach

-          Says that prejudice occurs due to group membership

There are two types of group:

-          The In-group is the group we belong to

-          The out-group is the group we do not belong to

The theory says that the existence of these groups is enough for prejudice to occur

There are 3 stages in becoming part of a group they are:

1.       Social Catergorisation – When we believe we are a member of a group

2.       Social Identification – When we adopt the identity of someone who belongs to that group by acting like a member, wearing certain clothes etc

3.       Social Comparison – When we compare our own group with others often thinking our group is more superior