Social Identity Theory
Social Identity theory defines the understanding which an individual has that they are a part of a group and that they belong to that social category. People categorize others as either the “in group” meaning people who are similar to oneself or in contrast, the “out group” meaning those who differ from oneself. Typically, the individuals of a group hold similar values and are very similar to one another. This can lead to bias whereby those in the “in group” perceive themselves as more similar to one another that they may be in actuality, and in contrast people view those in the “out group” as vastly more different from themselves than in reality (Stets & Burke, 2000).
Social Identity theory also suggests that individuals gravitate towards those who enhance their own social identity and are observed by society as positive. Similarly, individuals tend to stray away from those who perform poorly or are observed by society as negative. This is due to the notion that those who we surround ourselves with are a reflection of who we are from an outsider's perspective. A consequence of this is that we tend to perceive the actions of the in group more favorably than those in the out group and that we tend to judge the out group more negatively (Baron et al., 2011).
How does Social Identity relate to Third Culture Kids?
Social Identity theory is built on the assumption that each individual is born into one society and finds their individual role within that society to create an identity (Baron et al, 2011). From which point they may then begin to observe similar and different or positive and negative characteristics of those who surround them and decide whether or not they share enough similarities to be a potential member of their social grouping.
This can be problematic for Third Culture Kids because they are not brought up in only one culture or one society. Their identity is formed on the basis of continuous change and varied cultural heritages. While this makes them more accepting of various cultures as well as rich in diversity and experience, it can also be difficult for them to acquire a sense of belonging in any one place (Moore & Barker, 2011). Furthermore, those who have been raised in a single culture or society may have trouble associating similarities between themselves and Third Culture Kids, further exemplifying the difficulties in finding a sense of belonging for these individuals (Baron et al, 2011).
For this reason and in correlation with social identity theory, Third Culture Kids tend to feel more comfortable when associating with other Third Culture Kids who have similar backgrounds. They feel more understood by their peers, sharing similar mindsets and world views (Moore & Barker, 2011).
How This Website can Help Form Social Identity for Third Culture Kids
This website is designed to be a community space for Third Culture Kids to come together and share their stories. Within this site you will encounter people who have similar backgrounds within a variety of cultures. A Third Culture Kid is an identity in itself, throughout the interactions of this website our hope is that Third Culture Kids find friends who share in the experiences, and values that can only come as the result of a unique cross-cultural upbringing.
Social Identity theory defines the understanding which an individual has that they are a part of a group and that they belong to that social category. People categorize others as either the “in group” meaning people who are similar to oneself or in contrast, the “out group” meaning those who differ from oneself. Typically, the individuals of a group hold similar values and are very similar to one another. This can lead to bias whereby those in the “in group” perceive themselves as more similar to one another that they may be in actuality, and in contrast people view those in the “out group” as vastly more different from themselves than in reality (Stets & Burke, 2000).
Social Identity theory also suggests that individuals gravitate towards those who enhance their own social identity and are observed by society as positive. Similarly, individuals tend to stray away from those who perform poorly or are observed by society as negative. This is due to the notion that those who we surround ourselves with are a reflection of who we are from an outsider's perspective. A consequence of this is that we tend to perceive the actions of the in group more favorably than those in the out group and that we tend to judge the out group more negatively (Baron et al., 2011).
How does Social Identity relate to Third Culture Kids?
Social Identity theory is built on the assumption that each individual is born into one society and finds their individual role within that society to create an identity (Baron et al, 2011). From which point they may then begin to observe similar and different or positive and negative characteristics of those who surround them and decide whether or not they share enough similarities to be a potential member of their social grouping.
This can be problematic for Third Culture Kids because they are not brought up in only one culture or one society. Their identity is formed on the basis of continuous change and varied cultural heritages. While this makes them more accepting of various cultures as well as rich in diversity and experience, it can also be difficult for them to acquire a sense of belonging in any one place (Moore & Barker, 2011). Furthermore, those who have been raised in a single culture or society may have trouble associating similarities between themselves and Third Culture Kids, further exemplifying the difficulties in finding a sense of belonging for these individuals (Baron et al, 2011).
For this reason and in correlation with social identity theory, Third Culture Kids tend to feel more comfortable when associating with other Third Culture Kids who have similar backgrounds. They feel more understood by their peers, sharing similar mindsets and world views (Moore & Barker, 2011).
How This Website can Help Form Social Identity for Third Culture Kids
This website is designed to be a community space for Third Culture Kids to come together and share their stories. Within this site you will encounter people who have similar backgrounds within a variety of cultures. A Third Culture Kid is an identity in itself, throughout the interactions of this website our hope is that Third Culture Kids find friends who share in the experiences, and values that can only come as the result of a unique cross-cultural upbringing.