Social Identity in Young New Zealand Children

摘要: The present research compared the ethnic identity and preferences of young Maori children who attended either a bilingual unit within state school or without unit. In addition, ingroup favouritism was investigated through attribution positive negative behaviours to dark light skinned targets. Results demonstrated stronger identity, but also outgroup preference, amongst at than Outgroup in seen both schools. are discussed terms social identity. Categorisation individuals on basis distinguishing features, such as skin colour, is fundamental stage perception (Brewer, 1988; Fiske & Neuberg, 1990; Stangor, Lynch, Duan Glass, 1992; Tajfel, 1981). By age three, almost seventy percent can differentiate people by colour their use categorisation dominant (Aboud, Davey, 1983; Brown, 1995; Milner, Stangor et al., 1992). Social Identity Theory (Tajfel, 1978; Tajfel Turner, 1986) argues that precursor in-group bias development beliefs about members groups which one does not belong. Underlying this bias, it argued, desire have self esteem, Part one's esteem derived from member so more positively these perceived, greater draw membership (Turner, Favourable comparisons with other (ingroup favouritism), therefore enhance (Cialdini Richardson, 1980; Lemyre Smith, 1985; Oakes 1980). There numerous examples literature based racial categorisations Wilkes, 1963; Vaughan, 1988), even 1983). Davey (1983), for example, showed demonstrate marked ethnocentrism distribution sweets unknown same different ethnicity themselves. Ingroup is, however, moderated relative status comparison groups. Whilst majority group display (Wagner, Lampen, Syllwasschy, 1986), there many minority being egalitarian displaying an bias; showing toward they (Brown Abrams, 1986; Espinoza Garza, Ng, Sachdev Bourhis, 1991; van Knippenberg, 1984). Aboud children, aged 5-7 years, assignment traits group. Similarly, (1983) noted number her study displayed preferences. It important remember has less do access power, including better education health (Sachdev 1981; Wagley Harris, 1958). Members may, therefore, find easier make intergroup turn, may attempt identify group, order achieve higher esteem. Such identification only feasible means bolstering if boundaries permeable possible move another (van Knippenberg Ellemers, 1993). …