Horizontal comparisons enable dual subgroup-superordinate identity where vertical ones force a choice

Evidence

Previous applications of optimal distinctiveness theory to nested category contexts (Brewer, 1993; Hornsey & Hogg, 1999) reveal that individuals are more likely to identify with a subgroup over a superordinate group as the superordinate category’s inclusiveness increases. Our review of the literature leads us to conclude that this effect depends on the kind of social comparison used to determine the superordinate category’s inclusiveness. Furthermore, we argue that one type of social comparison—horizontal comparisons—allows for the possibility that group members might perceive both their subgroup and superordinate categories as optimally distinct, thereby allowing individuals to engage a dual identity. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 752

Categorization

Category: Definitional Content

• DEFINE: Clarifies horizontal vs. vertical comparison types as the mechanism that determines whether nested identities conflict or coexist.

Related

• Whether people hold dual identities depends on the comparison type used to judge inclusiveness (similarity 0.94)
• Vertical comparisons create identity antagonism while horizontal ones allow dual identity (similarity 0.89)
• Group identification in inclusive categories depends on which social comparison defines the category’s inclusiveness (similarity 0.89)
• Superordinate inclusiveness stems from social comparisons about relative category size (similarity 0.88)
• Dual identification requires the superordinate group to feel optimally distinct (similarity 0.86)
• Individuals prefer superordinate identity when the subgroup is too small to satisfy inclusion needs. (similarity 0.86)
• People gravitate toward subgroup over superordinate identities in nested categories (similarity 0.85)
• Shifting comparison frames can motivate recategorization toward superordinate groups. (similarity 0.84)
• Dual identification occurs when both subgroup and superordinate group are moderately inclusive (similarity 0.84)
• Subgroup identification need not oppose superordinate group identification when both are optimally distinct (similarity 0.82)
• Simultaneous subgroup and superordinate identification reduces intergroup conflict (similarity 0.82)
• All social categorizations are inherently nested up to the level of humanity. (similarity 0.82)
• Activated needs for inclusion versus differentiation shift which nested group members identify with. (similarity 0.81)
• Intergroup comparisons operate within nested levels of more inclusive group identities (similarity 0.80)
• Excessive group inclusion triggers subgroup formation rather than full individuation (similarity 0.80)