Identification with extreme groups may be unstable and needs-driven

Evidence

An interesting question is under what conditions will need arousal lead group members to identify with extremely inclusive or exclusive groups. Since the theory’s inception (Brewer, 1991), optimal distinctiveness theory has argued that individuals try to meet both of the countervailing needs for inclusion and differentiation. If so, then identification with these extremely inclusive or extremely exclusive groups may be unstable; individuals identify with these extreme (and nonoptimal) groups until individuals feel the need has been met. This speculation remains open and would benefit from empirical testing. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 741

Categorization

• QUESTION: The open empirical question — when do extreme group identifications stabilize — is worth chasing; could connect to work on radicalization and cult membership.
• SEED: Potential article angle: why people join extreme or fringe groups — identification as need-satisfaction that may fade once needs are met, explaining both radicalization and disengagement.
• XREF: connects to: Simplest pronunciation differences can mark out groups for mass lethal identification — James D. Kirylo (ed.), Reinventing Pedagogy of the Oppressed:…, 1372