Intergroup comparisons operate within nested levels of more inclusive group identities

Evidence

The second framework that goes beyond an analysis of simple bipolar intergroup relations is Turner et al.’s (1987) self-categorization theory. It is an extension of social identity theory in that it makes use of, and further develops, key assumptions of that theory so as to provide a comprehensive explanation of how individuals are able to act as a group. Two assumptions are of particular relevance to the present discussion. One states that self-representation or identity can be construed at different levels of abstraction related by means of class inclusion. For example, one’s identity as a resident of the city of Berlin is more abstract than, and thus includes, one’s identity as a resident of a specific neighborhood in Berlin. At the same time, one’s identity as a German citizen is even more abstract and includes both the city identity and the neighborhood identity. The other relevant assumption postulates that groups are compared and evaluated in terms of the next more inclusive group or social category that includes both. For instance, residents of different neighborhoods in Berlin would thus be compared and evaluated with respect to attributes that characterize residents of Berlin in general (e.g., witty). By the same token, residents of Berlin would be compared with, and evaluated relative to, say residents of Cologne or Munich with respect to attributes that characterize German citizens in general (e.g., efficient). The important point is that intergroup relations are embedded in the context of even more inclusive or shared group memberships, and this is likely to bring into play third parties such as representatives of the more inclusive in-groups. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4414

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines the nested abstraction levels of self-categorization theory and how comparisons shift up one level of inclusiveness.
• XREF: Connects to social identity theory and nested-category logic, echoing in-group/out-group dynamics from Tajfel and Turner. — connects to: Same linguistic form can index identity at nested scales — Mary Bucholtz and Kira Hall, Identity and Interaction: A…, 45; Explaining intergroup cultural variation requires analysis at two coupled levels — Joe Henrich and Robert Boyd, The Evolution of Conformist…, 12; Intergroup and intragroup context boundaries blur for mixed-identity individuals — Anna X. Huang, Jacqueline M. Chen, and Juliane Degner, Being One or the Other, Both or…, 56