question_answer

What is social identity?

Answer:

Ans.     Social identity refers to a person’s definition of who he or she is, including personal attributes such as self-concept, and attributes shared with others, such as gender and race. Some aspects of identity are determined by physical characteristics. Other aspects may develop as a consequence of interaction with others in the society. Social identity is that aspect of our self-concept which is based on in-group membership. It tells us our position, status and behaviour towards the group. Strong social identity leads to in-group—out-group categorization and we start showing favouritism towards in-group by rating it more favourably and by devaluating out- group. It means strong social identity leads to prejudices and intergroup conflicts.