Martiny & Rubin (2016).pdf (228.1 kB)
Towards a clearer understanding of social identity theory’s self-esteem hypothesis.
Social identity theory proposes that the need for
self-esteem motivates group members to protect and enhance the positivity of
their group. In this chapter, we explain this self-esteem hypothesis in detail
and discuss its caveats and limitations. We also discuss recent work that
proposes a dynamic relation between collective self-esteem and group-related
outcomes. Based on this discussion, we present a reformulated version of the
self-esteem hypothesis that makes more specific predictions than the original.
We also broaden the scope of the self-esteem hypothesis by taking into account
identity management strategies other than intergroup discrimination. Hence,
this chapter moves beyond the blunt question of whether self-esteem motivates
intergroup discrimination and instead provides a more nuanced explanation of
the various issues that need to be considered when investigating the relation
between the need for self-esteem and group behaviour.