Abstract
Several important theoretical perspectives in intergroup relations predict that there should be a positive association between various form of intergroup discrimination and collective identity. The empirical evidence for this assumption is however inconsistent and contradictory. Some studies show positive associations, some show negative associations and some show fail to find any associations. In an attempt to bring some clarity to this area, we conducted four studies that examined the relationship between collective identity and intergroup discrimination as a function of the intergroup context. Based on ideas derived from Self-Categorization Theory (SCT) it was predicted that the association between collective identity and intergroup discrimination would emerge in contexts where intergroup relations are emphasized. Using a between groups methodology, this prediction was tested in four independent studies. The results indicate a consistently positive relationship between the evaluative dimension of collective identity and various forms of intergroup discrimination. This association is found only in circumstances that specifically emphasize intergroup relations. This relationship held across increasingly negative forms of intergroup discrimination.
Highlights
The idea that collective identity and intergroup discrimination are associated may be derived from a number of theoretical perspectives [1,2,3,4]
In Studies 1 through 4 a single hypothesis was tested. This hypothesis, derived from Self-Categorization Theory (SCT) [31,35], was that a positive relationship between collective identity and intergroup discrimination would emerge in circumstances that emphasize the intergroup context
In conditions where intergroup relations were emphasized, significantly positive associations were found between collective identity and intergroup discrimination
Summary
The idea that collective identity and intergroup discrimination are associated may be derived from a number of theoretical perspectives [1,2,3,4]. The most prominent of these perspectives is social identity theory (SIT). According to SIT, the self-concept is comprised of personal identities and group ( referred to as collective identities). The former is based on components of the self that are individualistic in nature (e.g., ‘I am good’). The latter is based on components of the self that are derived from one’s membership in social groups or collectives (e.g., ‘New Zealanders are good’). Positive collective identities are achieved through intergroup comparisons. Comparisons which favour the ingroup, lead to positive social identity. Comparisons which favour the outgroup lead to negative collective identity
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