A tale of two theories: A critical comparison of identity theory with social identity theory
(1995) A tale of two theories: A critical comparison of identity theory with social identity theory. Social Psychology Quarterly 58(4):pp. 255-269.
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Abstract
Identity theory and social identity theory are two remarkably similar perspectives on the dynamic mediation of the socially constructed self between individual behavior and social structure. Yet there is almost no systematic communication between these two perspectivies; they occupy parallel bur separate universes. This article describes both theories, summarizes their similarities, critically discusses their differences and outlines some research directions. Against a background of metatheoretical similarity, we find marked differences in terms of 1) level of analysis, 2) the role of intergroup behavior, 3) the relationship between roles and groups, and 4) salience of social context and identity. Differences can be traced largely to the microsociological roots of identity theory and the psychological roots of social identity theory. Identiy theory may be more effective in dealing with chronic identities and with interpersonal social interaction, while social identity theory may be more useful in exploring intergroup dimensions and in specifying the sociocognitive generative details of identity dynamics.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Subjects: | 380000 Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences > 380100 Psychology > 380105 Social and Community Psychology |
| ID Code: | 7879 |
| Deposited By: | White, Katy |
| Deposited On: | 28 May 2007 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asoca/spq |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 1995 American Sociological Association |
| Additional Information: | For more information, please refer to the journal’s website (see hypertext link) or contact the author: km.white@qut.edu.au |