What is social identity theory and its implications for group behavior?

• A. Self-esteem comes from individual achievements alone.
• B. Social identity theory posits that individuals derive self-esteem from group membership, leading to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination.
• C. Groups have no influence on behavior.
• D. In-group favoritism eliminates prejudice.

Answer: (B)

Social identity theory explains how our sense of who we are is shaped by the groups we belong to and how this affects our behavior toward others. People derive part of their self-esteem from the status and success of their social groups. When group identity is salient, individuals tend to evaluate their own group more positively and view others as members of an out-group, which leads to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination. This helps account for why people often act more cooperatively with fellow group members and more hostile or prejudiced toward those outside the group, especially in situations of competition or scarce resources. The theory also highlights how group norms and boundaries shape behavior, influencing conformity, cohesion, and intergroup conflict, while also suggesting ways to reduce prejudice—such as creating a shared, larger identity or improving equal-status interactions.