Social Identity Theory and Self‐categorization Theory: A Historical Review
Abstract
The social identity approach (comprising social identity theory and self‐categorization theory) is a highly influential theory of group processes and intergroup relations, having redefined how we think about numerous group‐mediated phenomena. Since its emergence in the early 1970s, the social identity approach has been elaborated, re‐interpreted, and occasionally misinterpreted. The goal of this paper is to provide a critical, historical review of how thinking and research within the social identity approach has evolved. The core principles of the theories are reviewed and discussed, and their effect on the field assessed. Strengths and limitations of the approach are discussed, with an eye to future developments.
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Much of this work focused on the formation and maintenance of ingroups and outgroups, often in laboratory settings.
“Much of this work focused on the formation and maintenance of ingroups and outgroups, often in laboratory settings (Hornsey, 2008).”
From Studying Ethnic-Racial Identity among White Youth: White Supremacy as a Developmental Context (2022) · cites this paper as Hornsey, 2008
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“…been conceptualized and empirically measured by several social psychologists working within the framework of Social Identity Theory (Tajfel and Turner, 1979) and its development in Self-Categorization Theory (Turner et al., 1987)—hereafter, the Social Identity Perspective (SIP, see Hornsey, 2008).”
BackgroundStudying Ethnic-Racial Identity among White Youth: White Supremacy as a Developmental Context
Moffitt, U., & Rogers, L. O. (2022) · Journal of Research on Adolescence · doi:10.1111/jora.12762 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
“Much of this work focused on the formation and maintenance of ingroups and outgroups, often in laboratory settings (Hornsey, 2008).”
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- Authors
- Hornsey, M. J.
- Affiliations
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Hornsey, Matthew J.
- ORCID
- Hornsey, Matthew J.
- Venue
- Social and Personality Psychology Compass
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2008-01
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 204-222
- ISSN
- 1751-9004 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2032497511
- Cited by
- 1,586
- References
- 2
- Citations by year
- 2026: 132 · 2025: 198 · 2024: 178 · 2023: 150 · 2022: 153 · 2021: 125 · 2020: 132 · 2019: 104 · 2018: 78 · 2017: 63 · 2016: 63 · 2015: 60 · 2014: 59 · 2013: 32 · 2012: 19
- FWCI
- 42.83
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Social and Personality Psychology Compass (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social Power and Status Dynamics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
- Keywords
- social identity theory, self-categorization theory, social identity approach, intergroup relations, group process, group identity
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