Abstract
Drawing on theories of shared reality, symbolic self-completion, and social identity, we suggest that group identity can be considered a goal toward which group members strive by seeking out socially recognized identity symbols, such as property that relates to group history. Three studies build on past research to suggest that when group identity goals are strong, people strive to ensure social recognition of a group's identity symbols, and place greater value on means that are effective at communicating group identity to other people. In Study 1, group members' commitment to an identity goal predicted their desire to publicize a property's relationship to group identity. In Studies 2 and 3, individual and situational variations in goal strength increased the value placed on property (a potential means) only when the property's symbolic significance was socially recognized. Implications for shared reality and conflict resolution are discussed.
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