The Influence of Socio-structural Variables on Identity Management Strategies

This chapter attempts to provide empirical support for some of the key predictions of social identity theory. This theory not only describes the psychological processes underlying the desire to establish positive social identity, it also identifies antecedent conditions to the use of different options to improve one's status position. On the basis of the theoretical statements provided by social identity theory, a research programme, designed to investigate conditions under which group members would be inclined to pursue status improvement individually or as a group, was set up. A theoretical analysis implies that status structures can be characterized with a limited number of variables and that such socio-structural variables are likely to be important determinants of people's preference to display individualist or collectivist behaviour when striving for higher status. The main variables in this respect seem to be: (1) the relative status position of one's group; (2) the permeability of group boundaries; (3) the stability of group status; and (4) the legitimacy of personal status or group status. In a series of experiments, different status structures were simulated, in order to assess the cognitive and behavioural consequences for people operating in these structures. The outcomes of these experiments and their theoretical implications are discussed.