Henri Tajfel

Henri Tajfel was a social psychologist best known for his research on how group memberships influence behavior and identity. He developed the concept of social identity theory, which explains that people derive part of their self-esteem from the groups they belong to, such as teams, nations, or clubs. This often leads individuals to favor their own group while potentially prejudicing others. Tajfel’s work helps us understand phenomena like in-group loyalty and intergroup conflict, highlighting how perceptions of group membership shape attitudes and actions. His insights are foundational in studying social behavior and intergroup relations.