Social Identity Theory (original) (raw)

Social Identity Theory (SIT) posits that individuals construct their identities through group membership, leading to biases favoring one's in-group over out-groups. The theory encompasses how cognitive categorization fosters intergroup conflict, stereotypes, and discrimination, highlighting the complexities of group identification and its psychological implications. Critical perspectives question whether SIT's evolution has shifted focus from intergroup dynamics to individual identity formation, suggesting a need for a broader understanding of social psychology's role in shaping social justice and conflict.