The Social Identity Theory (Henri Tajfel)

The Social Identity Theory, developed by Henri Tajfel, explains how people classify themselves and others into groups, like nationality, sports teams, or workplaces. These group memberships shape our self-image, giving us pride and a sense of belonging. We tend to favor our own group (ingroup) and sometimes view others (outgroups) negatively to boost our self-esteem. This process influences our attitudes and behaviors, often leading to cooperation within groups and competition between groups. The theory helps us understand issues like prejudice, discrimination, and intergroup conflict based on group identities.