Lounge shoot

Contextual Theory: Social Identity Theory

From previous shoots and general city wondering and pondering, regarding the people within it, my idea has subconsciously yet predictably started to intertwine the idea of identity, and particularly social identity. The theme of isolation, (in which i have been practically and theoretically researching) no doubt runs parallel with the ides of social Identity. Its a psychology theory, in which describes a portion of ones self concept, ultimately deriving from the involvement within a particular social group, and how other people perceive this. Henri Tajfel and John Turner originally theorised this, basically explaining it was used to describe intergroup human behaviour. The theory now predicts intergroup behaviours on the basis of perceived status, within an environment. This theory is very interesting indeed, and is something that is very noticeable within our society. I feel its something we assess ourselves as humans towards one another, judging and assuming about ones self, or group. 

Self categorisation theory is a cousin theory in which describes in more general terms about ones self and group processes. As simple as this theory sounds, I believe it to be very complex and in depth indeed, yet can be understood. I feel as though this theory is very relevant to what i am looking at, and after looked at, will have rebounds , for example isolation or alienation etc. The theory explains how people perceive you, and your identity, which may make that person fearful of being categorised and perceived in a way they may not want to come across, thus resulting in that person feeling isolated from the rest of the people around them, despite them most certainly perceiving people in their own way themselves.

John Turner & Penny Oakes (1986). "The significance of the social identity concept for social psychology with reference to individualism, interactionism and social influence". British Journal of Social Psychology: 237–252. 

Henri Tajfel & John Turner (1986). "The social identity theory of intergroup behaviour",  Psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 7–24). Chicago: Nelson-Hall.