A comparison of motivational theories of identification

What may broadly be defined as the “social identity tradition” in intergroup relations has recently seen a renewed interest on motivational approaches, portraying intergroup phenomena as determined by some powerful social psychological motives. Our aim in this chapter is to examine the predictive power of some of these motivational accounts in three empirical studies. In Study 1, a cross-sectional survey, we used structural equation models to test a model where each of three motivations (i.e., self-enhancement, uncertainty reduction, need for inclusion and for distinctiveness) independently influences ingroup identification. Studies 2 and 3 are relevant to the functional model of social identities, in which several functions are suggested as underlying identification and intergroup processes. In Study 2, an experiment performed on a natural group, identity functions (e.g., materialistic vs. socio-emotional) were manipulated while holding constant group membership. In Study 3, which is longitudinal, we analyzed whether identity functions change over a group life-span. Our findings suggest that identification may depend on the satisfaction of different needs. All three motivations, in Study 1, influenced the processes linked to social identity and, thus, intergroup attitudes and behaviors. In Study 2, it was found that emphasizing one class of functions or another affected the relationship between identification and ingroup bias. Study 3 showed that different functions underpinned social identity processes, being responsive to the situational constraints and demands over the life-span of the group. Theoretical as well as practical implications of results are discussed.