Intergroup Theory :: Social Psychology Society Essays

Intergroup Theory 1) Intergenerational communication has always been a source of frustration especially in communication where the age gap is largest. Because of the broadness of the topic, there are several different theories and ideas on the ideal intergenerational communication. As all participants are very different, it becomes very difficult to differentiate between the right and wrong strategies for successful communication. People need to associate themselves with the communication that seems most closely related and accurate to their functioning capabilities. There are many aspects that can produce a positive or negative interaction. Sociologists, social psychologists and other people most interested in this form of communication have examined communication and relationships for years and have created several categories and theories of communication. The intergroup theory incorporates several European social psychology theories that coordinate individual and social aspects of ones personality to the effect it has on the communication. Intergroup theory bases communication ability and quality around the social life of the participants. The theory presents several social identifications that influence an individual’s identity. As a result of the person fulfilling their own identity they eventually fall into their own common social groups. Depending on the situation and the interaction, either the individual identity or the group characteristics and reputation play a vital roll in the interaction. These groups transcend different impressions and feelings depending on who is interpreting it. The life stage, social circumstances and experiences effect how the group is interpreted by outgroup members (Turner 1982). People in society today tend to divide themselves among a community into social groups and categories where one feels more accepted and shares common qualities with the group. Experiments have shown that solely being part of any arbitrary social group gave the participants satisfaction. Generally when people belong to any group they will favor their own group which appears evident is groups of similar nationality, gender or other personal views (Tajfel, Billig, Bundy & Flament, 1971). In groups such as Greek life, stereotypes may form when several members begin to behave and believe similarly. This is common as people hold more pride in their ingroup. Also unwritten guidelines often form through the common interests on the members. Just as members of an ingroup categorize themselves, in the intergroup theory we categorize outgroup members. Identities are created primarily from physical characteristics and first impressions. This is a classification created for one group about the other group.