ABSTRACT
For decades psychologists have been interested in the factors that influence intergroup perceptions. Much of this literature is concerned with stereotypes of social groups within nations, but a considerable international literature now exists as well. Social identity theory offers a predominantly motivational explanation for such perceived intergroup differences. A major premise of the theory is that the process of categorizing oneself as an ingroup member, and others as outgroup members, creates and maintains attitudinal and behavioral distinctions favoring the ingroup. Both social identity and self-categorization theory would predict that favorable distinctions should be created on relevant traits. Favorable distinctions can be created either by perceiving one’s group to possess higher levels of positive traits or lower levels of negative traits.
