@phdthesis{2596,
  keywords = {psychological boundries, group dynamics, intergroup dynamics, models, social identity, group identity, motivation, social behavior, social categorization},
  author = {Mary Rust},
  title = {Social identity and social categorization},
  abstract = {<p class="text-callout">Two models of intergroup bias reduction were examined. The social categorization model, as outlined in the Common Ingroup Identity Model by Gaertner et al., (1990) states that degrading the boundary between groups will result in decreased bias, as former outgroup members are pulled psychologically closer and raised to ingroup status. The social motivation model, as outlined in Social Identity Theory (Tajfel \&amp; Turner, 1982) proposes that the desire of groups to maintain positive distinctiveness is more important, therefore reduction of the salience of the intergroup boundary will result in greater bias as distinctiveness is threatened. It was proposed that when group identity confers positive distinctiveness, as when a group is of higher status relative to another group, group members will exhibit greater bias when the boundary between groups is degraded. However, it was expected that lower status groups will demonstrate reduced bias when boundary salience is reduced, due to the common ingroup identity. In the current study, class standing was used as a naturally occurring status variable: freshmen and sophomores participated as subjects. The degree of boundary degradation and group inclusivity was manipulated by mixing the freshmen and sophomores into heterogeneous task groups (cross-cut condition) versus maintaining the class standing boundaries in homogeneous task groups (convergent condition). Additionally, a common group identity factor was manipulated by emphasizing the common university identity of all participants in the experimental session versus no mention of the common identity. Results suggested a degree of reluctance on the part of higher-status sophomores to recognize their common identity with freshmen when the manipulations suggested such a configuration. However, the boundary degradation of the cross-cut task groups generally resulted in improved ratings of the outgroup members in terms of evaluation, affect generated and in terms of task allocation. The social categorization model received greater support than the social motivational model.</p>
},
  year = {1996},
  journal = {Department of Psychology},
  volume = {Doctor of Philosophy},
  publisher = {University of Delaware},
  url = {https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/social-identity-categorization/docview/304253157/se-2},
}