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Beyond old dichotomies: Individual differentiation can occur through group commitment, not despite it

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 October 2016

Matthew J. Hornsey
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia. m.hornsey@uq.edu.auj.jetten@psy.uq.edu.auhttps://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=43#show_Researchhttps://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=1197#show_Research
Jolanda Jetten
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia. m.hornsey@uq.edu.auj.jetten@psy.uq.edu.auhttps://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=43#show_Researchhttps://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=1197#show_Research

Abstract

The target article resuscitates an old but outdated dichotomy: a theoretical dualism between group belonging and intragroup differentiation. A convergence of evidence – including that within the social identity tradition – shows that intragroup differentiation is not incompatible with strong group identity. Indeed, when norms encourage autonomy, dissent, and individual freedom, intragroup differentiation occurs through group commitment, not despite it.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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