Individuals prefer superordinate identity when the subgroup is too small to satisfy inclusion needs.

Evidence

This study supports two conclusions: First, the evidence supports the notion that individuals will at times prefer to identify with the superordinate group than the subgroup as a function of subgroup and superordinate group inclusiveness and needs for inclusion and differentiation. Second, it systematically supports the notion that individuals are likely to engage a dual identity when individuals see both of the nested categories as favorable sources of optimal distinctiveness. — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 730

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Mixed individuals may recategorize into broader minoritized superordinate groups. — Anna X. Huang, Jacqueline M. Chen, and Juliane Degner, Being One or the Other, Both or…, 47