Social Identity, Psychology of

Social identity is the self-concept defined by self-categorization as a member of social groups. Research on the effects of social categorization in the minimal group paradigm is described. Social identity theory and its extension into self-categorization theory aim to offer a nonreductionist explanation of group and intergroup behavior. The, largely cognitive, social identity account of stereotyping, depersonalization, and self-categorization processes including meta-contrast (the ratio of differences between self- and in-group members and differences between in-group and out-group members), are described. These processes affect social influence and conformity within groups. The motivation for intergroup behavior is discussed in terms of needs for positive distinctiveness, self-esteem, and uncertainty reduction. Social identity theory also considers the structure of relationships between groups. Social change and social mobility beliefs about status relations between groups produce different strategies, such as social creativity and social competition, to improve social identity. The contribution of social identity theory to areas such as language, and collective and organizational behavior is described. This article concludes by noting criticisms of social identity theory and directions for current and future research and links to research on the self and social cognition.