Social Identity Theory

Social Identity Theory posits that a person's self-concept and behaviors are influenced by the groups they belong to, such as nationality, religion, or social clubs. It suggests that individuals categorize themselves and others into groups, which can lead to a strong sense of belonging and pride in one's group (in-group) while potentially fostering biases against others (out-groups). This theory helps explain phenomena like group conflict, prejudice, and loyalty, as people often derive part of their identity from their social affiliations, influencing their attitudes and interactions with others.