Assimilation and Diversity: An Integrative Model of Subgroup Relations

TLDR

Subgroup identity threat and various social realities such as inclusiveness, category structure, leadership, goals, power, and similarity shape subgroup relations. The study presents a model of sociostructural relations among subgroups within a superordinate category, extending social identity theory to address structural differentiation within groups. The authors develop a model of sociostructural relations among subgroups within a superordinate category. The analysis shows that subgroup identity threat is the greatest obstacle to social harmony, producing defensive reactions and conflict, and that harmony is best achieved by maintaining subgroup identities within a binding superordinate identity.

Abstract

A model of sociostructural relations among subgroups within a superordinate category is presented. Contextualized by discussion of political and social psychological models of intergroup contact, we extend principles of social identity theory to address structural differentiation within groups. Subgroup identity threat plays a pivotal role in the nature of subgroup relations, as do the social realities of specific subgroup relations (i.e., inclusiveness, nested vs. crosscutting categories, leadership, instrumental goal relations, power and status differentials, subgroup similarity). Our analysis suggests that subgroup identity threat is the greatest obstacle to social harmony; social arrangements that threaten social identity produce defensive reactions that result in conflict. Social harmony is best achieved by maintaining, not weakening, subgroup identities, and locating them within the context of a binding superordinate identity.