Social identity theory proposes that people categorize themselves into social groups to derive self-esteem and a sense of belonging. These in-groups are defined in contrast to out-groups, creating boundaries between members and non-members. The three key elements of social identity are categorization, where people label themselves and others into social categories; identification, where people associate with in-groups for self-esteem and belonging; and comparison, where groups favorably compare themselves to out-groups.

1. SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY TAJFEL AND TURNER, 1979

2. SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY This theory is all about becoming part of different groups, and how membership to these groups helps construct our identities . They suggested that people have an inbuilt tendency to categorise themselves into one or more in-groups , building a part of their identity on the basis of membership of that group and enforcing boundaries with other groups.

3. Tafjel and Turner decided that Social Identity can be considered in four ways; for our studies we will look at three : Categorisation Identification Comparison THE THREE ELEMENTS

4. This looks at the way in which people put others (and ourselves) into categories . We label one another based on interest, ethnicity, gender, occupation and other factors. Calling someone a Muslim, footballer, student, emo, mother, for example, are ways in which we do this. IMPORTANT – this is not always negative and is different to stereotyping. CATEGORISATION

5. Once a social identity has been identified, people will choose to associate with certain groups. Your collective identity becomes your in-group. This could be you family, a friendship group – even your class. This closeness functions to boost our self esteem and to create a sense of belonging . A group or individual that poses as a threat to your in-group is called the out-group. Examples of this would be an outside family member, a new member to class, someone from a different ethnic background, or more close to home, somebody from the other side of the social area! IDENTIFICATION

6. People compare themselves and their groups with other groups, seeing a favourable bias towards the group in which they belong. Nowadays we see younger people dividing themselves into social groups or subcultures based on clothing, the music they listen to or other interests. Examples of this are emos, goths and hoodies. COMPARISON

7. Social Identity Theory can be applied to: Kidulthood – age, location Soaps – family, location Notting Hill – location, class APPLYING THIS THEORY