Groups and identity

This chapter considers several issues relating to groups and identity. First, the chapter considers the various components that are typically considered to comprise ‘the self’. Some components of the self operate primarily at the level of the individual (e.g. our own personality, our sense of being in control of our actions) and others operate primarily at the level of the group (e.g. our social identity, cultural beliefs, and traditions). The second part of the chapter considers the way in which groups are assigned and evaluated, giving particular attention to the issue of prejudice.