Experiments in Intergroup Discrimination

Henri Tajfel's work, particularly his concept of social identity theory, explores how group membership influences discrimination. Tajfel's "minimal-group studies" demonstrated that even arbitrary group assignments could lead participants to favor their in-group over an out-group when distributing rewards. This suggested that social categorization, rather than just competition for resources, is a key driver of intergroup discrimination.12

Social identity theory posits that individuals derive part of their self-concept from belonging to social groups. This social identity motivates people to maintain a positive image of their in-group, which can lead to favoring their own group and potentially discriminating against others. Tajfel's research highlighted the psychological processes behind prejudice and intergroup conflict, emphasizing the powerful role of group affiliation in shaping behavior.12