Social Identity Theory (Henri Tajfel)

Social Identity Theory, developed by Henri Tajfel, explains how individuals define themselves based on the groups they belong to, such as nationality, team, or religion. People tend to see their own group as positive and may favor it over others, which can lead to in-group favoritism and out-group bias. This sense of belonging helps boost self-esteem and provides a sense of identity. The theory highlights that much of our social behavior and attitudes are influenced by the groups we identify with, shaping how we see ourselves and others in social contexts.