Social Categorization Theory

Social Categorization Theory suggests that people naturally classify themselves and others into groups based on shared characteristics, such as age, gender, race, or interests. This process helps individuals make sense of the social world, promoting group identity and cohesion. However, it can also lead to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination when individuals ascribe traits to members of a group based solely on their categorization. Understanding this theory helps illuminate how biases form and how social dynamics operate, influencing relationships and interactions within diverse societies.