Social identity theory proposes that people categorize themselves and others into social groups, that they identify with positive emotions with groups they belong to, and derive self-esteem from favorable comparisons between their own group and other groups. The document discusses key concepts of social identity theory like social categorization, exaggeration of group differences, social comparison between groups, and how group membership contributes to positive self-esteem. It also prompts reflection on social groups in school and how group membership affects self-concept.

1. Social
Identity
Theory
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2. Evaluate social
identity theory,
making reference to
relevant studies
Learning Outcome

3. Categorization
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4. • What categories do
you see in school?
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• What similarities
are exaggerated?
• What “category” do
you fit in at school?
Outside of school?
Social Identity Theory

5. Social Comparison
Image from Curve Magazine

6. • What benefits
come from being in
a certain group?
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• Do any groups at
school seem to
have more power
or prestige than
others?
Social Identity Theory

7. Group Membership = Positive Self-Esteem

8. • How does the
group(s) you’re in
help you maintain
positive self-
esteem?
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• Have you ever left
a group or
distanced yourself
from it because it
lowered your self-
esteem?
Social Identity Theory

9. 16 Year-Old Boys are
Less Mature than 16
Year-Old Girls

10. • What labels are on your forehead?
• On what cues did you base your guess?
• To what extent do people rely on the
real world to support how they view
themselves?
• To what extent are people’s self-
concepts determined by those people
around them?