What is the Tajfel Social Identity Theory?
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In every aspect of society, we naturally form groups, whether at work or in our everyday lives outside the office.
Present in human societies for thousands of years, people have come together to form groups while also dividing themselves into different categories. In this article, we’ll dive into Social Identity Theory and the process it outlines.
Tajfel’s Social identity theory is worth reading along side other teamwork theories such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, belbin team roles, and Dunbar's number theory.
What is Tajfel’s Social Identity Theory?
Developed in 1979 by Polish psychologist Henri Tajfel, this straightforward yet insightful theory explains how humans have historically grouped themselves into specific social categories. Tajfel argued that this behaviour stems from a fundamental need for belonging and plays a key role in shaping our sense of self. He also highlighted that pride and self-esteem are significant motivators behind why individuals identify with particular groups.
Tajfel proposed that forming stereotypes arises from our instinct to categorise the world around us. According to him, there are two key elements that inform our stereotypes:
The similarities between members of the group
The differences between the group (“We/Us”) and outsiders (“Them”)
This concept leads to the formation of an "In" group and an "Out" group. At the core of Tajfel’s theory is the idea that members of the "In" group often seek out faults and differences in the "Out" group, boosting their own self-image in the process. However, this mindset can create dangerous precedents, potentially resulting in discrimination and even racism in extreme cases.
Stages of Social Identity Theory
The theory argues that the process of forming an “in”-group is divided into three main stages, being:
Social Categorisation
To make sense of the social environment around us, we naturally categorise ourselves and others, which helps us navigate these spaces and understand each other at a basic level. For instance, we use labels related to nationality, race, religion, and occupation to define ourselves. It’s important to note that this theory acknowledges individuals can belong to multiple groups, and our behavioural norms are often influenced by these various affiliations.
Social Identification
At this stage, individuals who have joined a social group start to identify with its norms and behaviours. Newer members begin to conform to the group’s ways, fostering a sense of belonging and linking their self-esteem to this new identity.
Social Comparison
Once a group identity has been formed, the next step is often comparison with others. To uphold their self-esteem, members of the in-group seek to be viewed favourably, which can lead to competition. Rivalries may develop between groups, driven by both competing identities and the struggle for resources.
Summary of Tajfel's Social Identity Theory
Tajfel's Social Identity Theory suggests that individuals derive part of their self-identity from the social groups to which they belong. According to this theory, people tend to categorise themselves and others into different social groups based on shared characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, or occupation. Tajfel argued that these social groups play a crucial role in shaping how individuals think, feel, and behave. The Social Identity Theory posits that individuals often have a more favourable view of their own group (in-group) and a less favourable view of other groups (out-group), which can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and conflict between different social groups.
Want to enhance your team’s sense of belonging and identity? Explore our company day out ideas that can foster stronger in-group connections, helping your team thrive together just as Tajfel's Social Identity Theory suggests.
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