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Introduction
Social identity theory is recognized as one of the major theories in social studies. Especially in the last several decades, interest in it has grown considerably. From the theorys origins in the 1960s to the present, the theory has undergone evident development. The seminal works in this field have been supplemented by a wide range of more detailed studies. These further findings allowed an understanding of the complexity and controversy of the social identity problem. In this paper, the main points of social identity theory will be discussed, with its brief historical overview and the condition at present, including its place in political studies.
Discussion
The pioneer studies of social identity belonged to Henri Tajfel, a survivor of the Second World War of Polish birth and Jewish origin. Having personally experienced discrimination, Tajfel immersed himself in the research on the problem of intergroup conflict. His experiments later became known as minimal group studies, based on the minimal conditions& originally intended to form a baseline& for further study (Ellemers & Haslam, 2011, p. 380). The theory discussed three main issues: the psychological processes of forming social identity, the strategies used for deriving a positive identity, and the main characteristics of the social structure that underlies the functions mentioned above (Tajfel, 1982). The main psychological issues include social categorization, social comparison, and social identification.
Further research in this area was influenced, among others, by realistic conflict theory. The latter speaks about the interrelations of different groups members in their competition over scarce resources (Ellemers & Haslam, 2011, p. 380). Later, as an elaboration of social identity theory, a self-categorization theory emerged in the late 1980s, developed by Turner and his colleagues (Huddy, 2001). It extends Tajfels original findings, providing a study of more complex social circumstances. Also, it explores social categorization on different levels based on cross-cutting criteria, such as gender, ethnic, religious, etc. identities (Huddy, 2001, p. 388). It deals with different contexts, such as the identity of a woman performing solo in an entirely male professional environment, compared to that who appears in a female group of no less than 20 members involved in a male profession (Tajfel, 1982). The theory also provides an analysis of motivation that underlies the process of forming an identity of the group members.
The second significant problem addressed in social identity studies is the interrelation of social and political identity. As defined by Huddy (2012), a political identity is a social identity with political relevance (p. 739). Huddy points out three main strands of research in this field. The first one deals with national identity, patriotism, and multiculturalism. The study demonstrates that, for example, American identity does not mean the same thing to all Americans, and the meaning of such identity for each member, rather than its mere existence, determines its political outcome. The second strand is about the reasons for intolerance and antipathies between the groups. The third stream of research focuses on the nature of political identities expressed in joining parties and other political activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it may be stated that the problem of social identity is a complex and multifaceted field of study. It becomes even more complicated considering the changing nature of social and political realities that demand constant updates of the theoretical base. The subject has undergone considerable development from its very origin till the present; however, there is still a broad space for further research.
References
Haslam, A. S., & Ellmers, N. (2011). Social identity theory. In L. P. A. M. Van, A. W. Kruglanski, & E. T. Higgins (Eds.), Handbook of social psychology (pp. 379-398). SAGE Publications.
Huddy, L. (2001). From social to political identity: A critical examination of social identity. Political psychology, 22 (1), 127-156.
Huddy, L. (2013). From group identity to political cohesion and commitment. In L. Huddy, D. O. Sears & J. Levy (Eds.), Oxford handbook of political psychology (pp. 737-773). Oxford University Press.
Tajfel, H. (1982). Social psychology of intergroup relations. Annual review of psychology, 33 (1-39).
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