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Social identity theory: past achievements, current problems and future challenges

Brown, Rupert (2000) Social identity theory: past achievements, current problems and future challenges. European Journal of Social Psychology, 30 (6). pp. 745-778. ISSN 0046-2772. (doi:10.1002/1099-0992(200011/12)30:6<745::AID-EJSP24>3.0.CO;2-O) (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:16174)

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/10.1002/1099-0992(200011/12)30:6...

Abstract

This article presents a critical review of Social Identify Theory. Its major contributions to the study of intel group relations are discussed, focusing on its powerful explanations of such phenomena as ingroup bias, responses of subordinate groups to their unequal status position, and intragroup homogeneity and stereotyping. In addition, its stimulative role for theoretical elaborations of the Contact Hypothesis as a strategy for improving intergroup attitudes is noted. Then five issues which have proved problematic for Social Identity Theory are identified the relationship between group identification and ingroup bias; the self-esteem hypothesis; positive-negative asymmetry in intergroup discrimination; the effects of intergroup similarity; and the choice of identity strategies by low-status groups. In a third section a future research agenda for the theory is sketched out, with five lines of enquiry noted as being particularly promising: expanding the concept of social identity; predicting comparison choice in intergroup settings; incorporating affect into the theory; managing social identities in multicultural settings; and integrating implicit and explicit processes. The article concludes with some remarks on the potential applications of social identity principles. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Item Type: Review
DOI/Identification number: 10.1002/1099-0992(200011/12)30:6<745::AID-EJSP24>3.0.CO;2-O
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: P. Ogbuji
Date Deposited: 13 Apr 2009 19:16 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:54 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/16174 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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