Social Identity Theory

1. The secondary small group that I belong to is the department team at the company I work for. Our task cohesion is especially high because not only do our jobs depend on the success of our assignments, but also because we find the work enjoyable and challenging. Our social cohesion is also high because we have all become close friends and have similar attitudes, personalities, and lifestyles. Goal isomorphism can also be seen in our team because as each of us work together to complete projects, we are also growing individually and meeting our personal goals at the company. Each member of our team has a specific title and set of expectations, which direct us in terms of leadership and dividing up the work. There is a clear status hierarchy set in place with the director being at the top and therefore having the most influence over decisions and deadlines. Although the rest of us have similar roles, one member seems to have nearly as much influence as the director. This may be due to a status generalization since he is the only other man in the group besides the director and because he has the highest education. Therefore, his
Personal identity involves unique aspects of an individual, whereas social identity is based on membership in certain social groups or social categories. Together, these two make up a person’s self-concept, which individuals strive to hold in a positive light as explained by the social identity theory. According to Professor Schuster’s lecture, the social identity theory can help explain international conflict because people’s desire to hold on to their positive personal and social identities leads to a “we vs. them” dynamic. The more people strive to have a positive self concept of their social identity as American citizens, for example, the worse they will think about an opposing group, such as specific groups in the Middle East. This in-group versus out-group bias perception leads to augmented prejudice, stereotypes and