Social Identity Theory

Conceptual Overview

Social identity theory suggests two primary means by which individuals maintain a positive social identity. First, people may identify with similar others or in-group members as a means of achieving self-continuity. Second, people may identify with dissimilar others or out-group members, as a means of achieving status enhancement.

Continuity is based on the assumption that individuals generally want to maintain the continuity of their social identities over time and across situations. Consequently, individuals strive for membership in groups that are consistent with their existing social identities. Any group that contains part of the existing social identity of an individual (i.e., an in-group) is likely to be considered special and regarded positively by the individual. Conversely, any group that does not contain part of the existing social identity of an individual (i.e., an out-group) may be viewed as less attractive by the individual and may result in a diminished self-identity.

In an organizational context, a social unit to which the individual is demographically similar will provide continuity for a social identity, and thus will be attractive to the individual. This social group may be based on organizational divisions, such as departments or existing social units, such as demographic groups. Individuals are drawn to groups that allow them to exhibit more of themselves and to enact a fuller range of characteristics and values in their social identity. Consequently, the more similar an individual is to the group's composition, the more the person is drawn to the group because it matches part of his or her existing social identity and thus provides an easy opportunity for self-expression.

While identifying with similar others permits some individuals to maintain positive identities, for individuals who belong to low-status groups, identifying with similar others may diminish one's social identity. Status characteristics researchers suggest that certain demographic groups (e.g., women) are devalued in society. Likewise, our society ascribes low status to certain jobs (e.g., janitors). Thus, a janitor may not find it enhancing to his or her identity to identify with other janitors, and a woman may not find it identityenhancing to identify with other women in the organization. SIT posits that for individuals in low-status groups, a positive identity may be achieved by identifying with out-group members.

Status enhancement is the second means by which individuals maintain a positive social identity. SIT assumes that because people have a need for a high level of self-esteem they are motivated to achieve and maintain a favorable social identity. One way of doing this is for individuals to identify with those groups they perceive as increasing their status, even if the individual is not a member of those groups.

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