Henri Tajfel proposed that intergroup relations represent one of the most difficult and complex relations which act as causes of problems we face today. Due to the issues brought about by the intergroup relations, Tajfel decided to study the problem theoretically in social psychology. In psychological study, Henri came up with the social identity theory that brought meaning and solution to the problem mentioned earlier. The author defines the term ‘group’ in two aspects which include, the internal and external existence of groups. The internal aspects of the group represent the outside designations such as hospitals and banks while the internal criteria showed the group identification. For one to achieve group identification, there entail three major components that act as qualifications; the cognitive aspect, the evaluative factor and the emotional investment in awareness. This report entails detailed information concerning the intergroup relations under the social identity theory.
The social identity theory states that “people categorize themselves into one or more social groups and define their social identity basing on the general membership of the specific group constructed.” When an individual associate themselves with a certain group then they get perceived as an in-group according to the members. For example, the strong identification of family members to their family clearly shows a strong awareness of their organization’s membership. On the other hand, the group that a person does not associate with earns the name outgroup. The author also added that the people in an in-group tend to favor themselves hence conflicts may a rise between the two earlier on mentioned groups. Research in social psychology shows that group membership influences a person’s way of viewing other peoples’ abilities.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
In conclusion, there exist three main factors that create the in-group and outgroup. First, through social categorization where people group themselves according to the profession , the color, and the state parties. Second, grouping entails social identification in that individuals adopt the identity of the group they belong to and behave in the same way as per their norms. Lastly, there exists social comparison where the members of one group compare themselves with other groups so has to maintain their self-esteem.
Reference
Tajfel, H. (1982). The social psychology of intergroup relations. Annual review of psychology , 33 (1), 1-39.
