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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
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The target article resuscitates an old but outdated dichotomy: a theoretical dualism between group belonging and intragroup differentiation.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.
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- Open Peer Commentary
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016
References
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Target article
Are groups more or less than the sum of their members? The moderating role of individual identification
Related commentaries (29)
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Social, not individual, identification is the key to understanding group phenomena
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We agree and we disagree, which is exactly what most people do most of the time
Author response
Differentiating selves facilitates group outcomes