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Comments on the motivational status of self-esteem in social identity and intergroup discrimination

Abrams, Dominic, Hogg, Michael A. (1988) Comments on the motivational status of self-esteem in social identity and intergroup discrimination. European Journal of Social Psychology, 18 (4). pp. 317-334. ISSN 0046-2772. (doi:10.1002/ejsp.2420180403) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:35498)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2420180403

Abstract

The background and development of motivational hypotheses in social identity theory are examined, revealing two general motives for intergroup discrimination: a desire for cognitive coherence, or good structure; and a need for positive self-esteem. The latter (self-esteem hypothesis: SEH) has received most attention. Both the theoretical and empirical bases of the SEH are largely rooted in research using the minimal group paradigm. However, it remains unclear whether self-esteem is to be considered primarily as a cause or an effect of discrimination. When real social groups are considered the SEH appears to provide only a partial explanation, and a variety of more or less powerful alternative social motives may underlie discriminatory behavior. The authors explore some social-structural, individual and interpersonal limits to the SEH, and they call for an awareness of these motives and a re-examination of the good-structure thesis. The SEH, as it stands, provides only a partial contribution to the authors understanding of the relationship between social identity and discriminatory intergroup behavior.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1002/ejsp.2420180403
Uncontrolled keywords: self esteem, social identity theory, intergroup discrimination
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: M.L. Barnoux
Date Deposited: 17 Oct 2013 09:53 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:12 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/35498 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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