Intergroup relations begin when people adopt collective rather than personal identity

Evidence

Social Identity Theory also recognizes the fundamental distinction between collective and personal identity. That is, a person can define or categorize himself or herself alternatively as the embodiment of a social collective or as a unique individual with personal motives, goals, and achievements. At the group level, the goals and achievements of the group are merged with one’s own, and the group’s welfare is paramount. At the individual level, one’s personal welfare and goals are most salient and important. Intergroup relations begin when people in different groups think about themselves as group members rather than as distinct individuals. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 548

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to Allport’s earlier theme that social categorization as us-versus-them is both cause of prejudice and potential basis for harmony, plus recategorization at higher levels. — connects to: Group identity processes operate autonomously from objective intergroup conflict — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology: Key Readings, 2674; the MOC “The Enemy-Making Machine: Ours, True, and the Identity That Defends Both”