Group distinctiveness can be reframed as complementary rather than threatening

Evidence

Given the relative novelty of the social identity complexity concept in social psychological theorizing and research, empirical evidence on the relationship between identity threat and social identity complexity is still relatively sparse. Although we may conclude that perceived threat to distinctiveness can be an antecedent of social identity complexity, much more empirical work is needed to confirm this relationship, also involving other types of threats. For example, it will be interesting to consider the extent to which threats to in-group power or status, or to values or morals may affect social identity complexity. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 580 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Imitation and distinction operate as complementary forces rather than opposites — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 165; Individual distinctiveness and shared origin coexist without contradiction — Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom,…, 535; Emphasizing complementary distinctiveness can make intergroup categorization trusting rather than threatening (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Threat to distinctiveness drives more complex identity structures, but evidence is sparse #complicates (0.75) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 580