|
Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools.
|
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Vol. 17, No. 5,
475-482 (1991)
DOI: 10.1177/0146167291175001
© 1991 Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.
The Social Self: On Being the Same and Different at the Same Time
Marilynn B. Brewer
University of California, Los Angeles
Mfost of social psychology's theories of the self fail to take into account the significance of social identification in the definition of self. Social identities are self-definitions that are more inclusive than the individuated self-concept of most American psychology. A model of optimal distinctiveness is proposed in which social identity is viewed as a reconciliation of opposing needs for assimilation and differentiation from others. According to this model, individuals avoid self-construals that are either too personalized or too inclusive and instead define themselves in terms of distinctive category memberships. Social identity and group loyalty are hypothesized to be strongest for those self-categorizations that simultaneously provide for a sense of belonging and a sense of distinctiveness. Results from an initial laboratory experiment support the prediction that depersonalization and group size interact as determinants of the strength of social identification.
 CiteULike  Connotea  Del.icio.us  Digg  Reddit  Technorati What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
|
|
 
B. Greenhill
Recognition and Collective Identity Formation in International Politics
European Journal of International Relations,
June 1, 2008;
14(2):
343 - 368.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. E. Ashforth, S. H. Harrison, and K. G. Corley
Identification in Organizations: An Examination of Four Fundamental Questions
Journal of Management,
June 1, 2008;
34(3):
325 - 374.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C.-B. Zhong, K. W. Phillips, G. J. Leonardelli, and A. D. Galinsky
Negational Categorization and Intergroup Behavior
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
June 1, 2008;
34(6):
793 - 806.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. C. Burden
The Social Roots of the Partisan Gender Gap
Public Opin Q,
March 1, 2008;
72(1):
55 - 75.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
O. Janssen and Xu Huang
Us and Me: Team Identification and Individual Differentiation as Complementary Drivers of Team Members' Citizenship and Creative Behaviors
Journal of Management,
February 1, 2008;
34(1):
69 - 88.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. M. Williams, S. K. Parker, and N. Turner
Perceived Dissimilarity and Perspective Taking Within Work Teams
Group Organization Management,
October 1, 2007;
32(5):
569 - 597.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Verkuyten and A. A. Yildiz
National (Dis)identification and Ethnic and Religious Identity: A Study Among Turkish-Dutch Muslims
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
October 1, 2007;
33(10):
1448 - 1462.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. A. Mason, F. R. Conrey, and E. R. Smith
Situating Social Influence Processes: Dynamic, Multidirectional Flows of Influence Within Social Networks
Personality and Social Psychology Review,
August 1, 2007;
11(3):
279 - 300.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Wan, C.-Y. Chiu, S. Peng, and K.-P. Tam
Measuring Cultures through Intersubjective Cultural Norms: Implications for Predicting Relative Identification With Two or More Cultures
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology,
March 1, 2007;
38(2):
213 - 226.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. Sahdra and M. Ross
Group Identification and Historical Memory
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
March 1, 2007;
33(3):
384 - 395.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. D. Locke
Personalized and Generalized Comparisons: Causes and Consequences of Variations in the Focus of Social Comparisons
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
February 1, 2007;
33(2):
213 - 225.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Zebel, S. F. Pennekamp, M. van Zomeren, B. Doosje, G. A. van Kleef, M. L. W. Vliek, and J. van der Schalk
Vessels with Gold or Guilt: Emotional Reactions to Family Involvement Associated with Glorious or Gloomy Aspects of the Colonial Past
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
January 1, 2007;
10(1):
71 - 86.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. E. Kreiner, E. C. Hollensbe, and M. L. Sheep
On the edge of identity: Boundary dynamics at the interface of individual and organizational identities
Human Relations,
October 1, 2006;
59(10):
1315 - 1341.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. R. Chambers and D. Melnyk
Why do I hate thee? Conflict misperceptions and intergroup mistrust.
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
October 1, 2006;
32(10):
1295 - 1311.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. J. Crisp, J. Walsh, and M. Hewstone
Crossed categorization in common ingroup contexts.
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
September 1, 2006;
32(9):
1204 - 1218.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y. J. Huo and L. E. Molina
Is Pluralism a Viable Model of Diversity? The Benefits and Limits of Subgroup Respect
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
July 1, 2006;
9(3):
359 - 376.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. L. Hammack
Identity, Conflict, and Coexistence: Life Stories of Israeli and Palestinian Adolescents
Journal of Adolescent Research,
July 1, 2006;
21(4):
323 - 369.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Otten and K. Epstude
Overlapping Mental Representations of Self, Ingroup, and Outgroup: Unraveling Self-Stereotyping and Self-Anchoring
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
July 1, 2006;
32(7):
957 - 969.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Carvallo and S. Gabriel
No Man Is an Island: The Need to Belong and Dismissing Avoidant Attachment Style
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
May 1, 2006;
32(5):
697 - 709.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y.-y. Hong, H.-y. Liao, G. Chan, R. Y. M. Wong, C.-y. Chiu, G. W.-m. Ip, H.-y. Fu, and I. G. Hansen
Temporal Causal Links Between Outgroup Attitudes and Social Categorization: The Case of Hong Kong 1997 Transition
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
April 1, 2006;
9(2):
265 - 288.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. E. S. Rosenthal and R. J. Crisp
Reducing Stereotype Threat by Blurring Intergroup Boundaries
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
April 1, 2006;
32(4):
501 - 511.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. S. Pedersen and F. Dobbin
In Search of Identity and Legitimation: Bridging Organizational Culture and Neoinstitutionalism
American Behavioral Scientist,
March 1, 2006;
49(7):
897 - 907.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Yip
Sources of Situational Variation in Ethnic Identity and Psychological Well-Being: A Palm Pilot Study of Chinese American Students
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
December 1, 2005;
31(12):
1603 - 1616.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. L. Alvarez, C. Mazza, J. S. Pedersen, and S. Svejenova
Shielding Idiosyncrasy from Isomorphic Pressures: Towards Optimal Distinctiveness in European Filmmaking
Organization,
November 1, 2005;
12(6):
863 - 888.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Bratt
The Structure of Attitudes Toward Non-Western Immigrant Groups: Second-Order Factor Analysis of Attitudes among Norwegian Adolescents
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
October 1, 2005;
8(4):
447 - 469.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Arndt, C. Routledge, J. Greenberg, and K. M. Sheldon
Illuminating the Dark Side of Creative Expression: Assimilation Needs and the Consequences of Creative Action Following Mortality Salience
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
October 1, 2005;
31(10):
1327 - 1339.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. J. Hornsey, L. Blackwood, and A. O'brien
Speaking for Others: The Pros and Cons of Group Advocates using Collective Language
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
July 1, 2005;
8(3):
245 - 257.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. A. Reid and M. A. Hogg
Uncertainty Reduction, Self-Enhancement, and Ingroup Identification
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
June 1, 2005;
31(6):
804 - 817.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Weisz and L. F. Wood
Social identity support and friendship outcomes: A longitudinal study predicting who will be friends and best friends 4 years later
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships,
June 1, 2005;
22(3):
416 - 432.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. J. Crisp and S. R. Beck
Reducing Intergroup Bias: The Moderating Role of Ingroup Identification
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
April 1, 2005;
8(2):
173 - 185.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. B. Brewer and K. P. Pierce
Social Identity Complexity and Outgroup Tolerance
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
March 1, 2005;
31(3):
428 - 437.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Lyubansky and R. J. Eidelson
Revisiting Du Bois: The Relationship Between African American Double Consciousness and Beliefs About Racial and National Group Experiences
Journal of Black Psychology,
February 1, 2005;
31(1):
3 - 26.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. N. Christensen, H. Rothgerber, W. Wood, and D. C. Matz
Social Norms and Identity Relevance: A Motivational Approach to Normative Behavior
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
October 1, 2004;
30(10):
1295 - 1309.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. J. Hornsey and J. Jetten
The Individual Within the Group: Balancing the Need to Belong With the Need to Be Different
Personality and Social Psychology Review,
August 1, 2004;
8(3):
248 - 264.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. M. Weber, S. Kopelman, and D. M. Messick
A Conceptual Review of Decision Making in Social Dilemmas: Applying a Logic of Appropriateness
Personality and Social Psychology Review,
August 1, 2004;
8(3):
281 - 307.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. N. Christensen, J. G. Boldry, and D. A. Kashy
Group-Based Self-Evaluation Outside of the Laboratory: Effects of Global Versus Contextual Status
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
August 1, 2004;
30(8):
985 - 994.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. Pinter and A. G. Greenwald
Exploring Implicit Partisanship: Enigmatic (But Genuine) Group Identification and Attraction
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
July 1, 2004;
7(3):
283 - 296.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. J. Halloran and E. S. Kashima
Social Identity and Worldview Validation: The Effects of Ingroup Identity Primes and Mortality Salience on Value Endorsement
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
July 1, 2004;
30(7):
915 - 925.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. Korostelina
The Impact of National Identity on Conflict Behavior: Comparative Analysis of Two Ethnic Minorities in Crimea
International Journal of Comparative Sociology,
July 1, 2004;
45(3-4):
213 - 230.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. B. Brewer
Taking the Social Origins of Human Nature Seriously: Toward a More Imperialist Social Psychology
Personality and Social Psychology Review,
May 1, 2004;
8(2):
107 - 113.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. Van Der Zee, N. Atsma, and F. Brodbeck
The Influence of Social Identity and Personality on Outcomes of Cultural Diversity in Teams
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology,
May 1, 2004;
35(3):
283 - 303.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Wendt
Why a World State is Inevitable
European Journal of International Relations,
December 1, 2003;
9(4):
491 - 542.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
L. J. Skitka
Of Different Minds: An Accessible Identity Model of Justice Reasoning
Personality and Social Psychology Review,
November 1, 2003;
7(4):
286 - 297.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. DEVOS and M. R. BANAJI
Implicit Self and Identity
Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.,
October 1, 2003;
1001(1):
177 - 211.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. C. Snibbe, S. Kitayama, H. R. Markus, and T. SuZuki
They Saw a Game: A Japanese and American (Football) Field Study
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology,
September 1, 2003;
34(5):
581 - 595.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Roccas
Identification and Status Revisited: The Moderating Role of Self-Enhancement and Self-Transcendence Values
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
June 1, 2003;
29(6):
726 - 736.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. R. Smith, J. W. Jackson, and C. W. Sparks
Effects of Inequality and Reasons for Inequality on Group Identification and Cooperation in Social Dilemmas
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
April 1, 2003;
6(2):
201 - 220.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. D. Frink, R. K. Robinson, B. Reithel, M. M. Arthur, A. P. Ammeter, G. R. Ferris, D. M. Kaplan, and H. S. Morrisette
Gender Demography and Organization Performance: A Two-Study Investigation With Convergence
Group Organization Management,
March 1, 2003;
28(1):
127 - 147.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Y. J. Huo
Procedural Justice and Social Regulation Across Group Boundaries: Does Subgroup Identity Undermine Relationship-Based Governance?
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
March 1, 2003;
29(3):
336 - 348.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Humphreys, A. D. Brown, and M. J. Hatch
Is Ethnography Jazz?
Organization,
February 1, 2003;
10(1):
5 - 31.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. M. Padilla and W. Perez
Acculturation, Social Identity, and Social Cognition: A New Perspective
Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences,
February 1, 2003;
25(1):
35 - 55.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. Simon and S. Sturmer
Respect for Group Members: Intragroup Determinants of Collective Identification and Group-Serving Behavior
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
February 1, 2003;
29(2):
183 - 193.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Eller and D. Abrams
'Gringos' in Mexico: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Effects of Language School-Promoted Contact on Intergroup Bias
Group Processes Intergroup Relations,
January 1, 2003;
6(1):
55 - 75.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. W. Phillips
The Effects of Categorically Based Expectations on Minority Influence: The Importance of Congruence
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
January 1, 2003;
29(1):
3 - 13.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. S. Bailis and J. G. Chipperfield
Compensating for Losses in Perceived Personal Control Over Health: A Role for Collective Self-Esteem in Healthy Aging
J. Gerontol. B. Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci.,
November 1, 2002;
57(6):
P531 - 539.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Carpenter and P. Radhakrishnan
The Relation between Allocentrism and Perceptions of Ingroups
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
November 1, 2002;
28(11):
1528 - 1537.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Martinot, S. Redersdorff, S. Guimond, and S. Dif
Ingroup Versus Outgroup Comparisons and Self-Esteem: The Role of Group Status and Ingroup Identification
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
November 1, 2002;
28(11):
1586 - 1600.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. de Cremer
Respect and Cooperation in Social Dilemmas: The Importance of Feeling Included
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
October 1, 2002;
28(10):
1335 - 1341.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Foley, D. L. Kidder, and G. N. Powell
The Perceived Glass Ceiling and Justice Perceptions: An Investigation of Hispanic Law Associates
Journal of Management,
August 1, 2002;
28(4):
471 - 496.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. W. Tafarodi, S.-J. Kang, and A. B. Milne
When Different Becomes Similar: Compensatory Conformity in Bicultural Visible Minorities
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
August 1, 2002;
28(8):
1131 - 1142.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Roccas and M. B. Brewer
Social Identity Complexity
Personality and Social Psychology Review,
May 1, 2002;
6(2):
88 - 106.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Prislin, M. Brewer, and D. J. Wilson
Changing Majority and Minority Positions within a Group Versus an Aggregate
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
May 1, 2002;
28(5):
640 - 647.
[Abstract]
[PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. W. Tafarodi, S. Mehranvar, R. L. Panton, and A. B. Milne
Putting Oneself in the Task: Choice, Personalization, and Confidence
Pers Soc Psychol Bull,
May 1, 2002;
28(5):
6 | |
