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Distinctiveness threat and prototypicality: combined effects on intergroup discrimination and collective self‐esteem
Author(s) -
Jetten Jolanda,
Spears Russell,
Manstead Antony S. R.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
european journal of social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1099-0992
pISSN - 0046-2772
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-0992(199711/12)27:6<635::aid-ejsp835>3.0.co;2-#
Subject(s) - optimal distinctiveness theory , psychology , social psychology , self esteem , social identity theory , developmental psychology , social group
The combined influence on ingroup bias of threat to group distinctiveness and prototypicality as a group member was examined in two studies. It was predicted, in line with social identity theory, that threat to group distinctiveness would lead to more ingroup bias. In addition, on the basis of self‐categorization theory it was predicted that protypical and peripheral group members would react differently to a threat to their group distinctiveness. Only group members who define themselves as prototypical group members should be motivated to defend their threatened distinctiveness by engaging in increased ingroup bias. This hypothesis was first supported in a modified minimal group setting in which threat was operationalized as overlapping group boundaries. These results were then replicated in a second study, using better‐established groups, for whom distinctiveness threat was manipulated in terms of intergroup similarity. Moreover, some support was found in Study 2 for the prediction that the opportunity to engage in intergroup differentiation can, under restricted conditions, enhance group‐related self‐esteem. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd