Social identity theory and group diversity : an analysis of functions of group identification

This thesis examines differences between social groups and the relationship between ingroupidentification and ingroup bias within the framework of Social Identity Theory. The main goalof our investigation is that of understanding the reason of the variation encountered in studiestesting the identification-bias association. While one of the solutions proposed by previousresearch (Hinkle and Brown, 1990) focuses on group differences on the dimensions ofcollectivism and relational orientation, our suggestion is that of considering group differences inthe functions that drive their group identification. Two functions of group identificationemerged — between the others — as meaningful in differentiating between the four groups wetested (Psychology students, football supporters, and trade unionists): A materialistic and self-interested motivation,