Paul, pickett, sherman, and schank 2012 used optimal distinctiveness theory brewer 1991 to inform a schellingesque model 1971 of how different social configurations could stabilize, showing that a social spaces initial configuration strongly affects the. We want to be an individual within a group, to be different but not too different. As a result, the inclusion literature is still under development, with limited agreement on the conceptual underpinnings of this construct. Though originally developed from generative phonology, the principles of optimality theory have also been applied in studies of syntax, morphology, pragmatics, language change, and other areas. According to this model, individuals avoid selfconstruals that are either too personalized or too inclusive and instead define themselves in terms of distinctive category. Recent work has called for a more comprehensive theory of optimal distinctiveness zhao et al. Brewer argues that conformity and differentiation are contrasting but basic human needs, which exist in opposition to one another. Distinctiveness definition of distinctiveness by the free. Optimality theory was introduced in the 1990s by linguists alan prince and paul smolensky optimality theory. Instead, what level of distinctiveness strikes the optimal balance between pressures to be similar or different depends crucially on what others in the firms category do. Studies have proposed an inverted ushaped association between distinctiveness and its advantages brewer and pickett 1999.
In optimal distinctiveness theory, it is suggested that individuals pursue an optimally distinctive identity at the personal level when their collective identity no longer sustains the balance between need for assimilation and differentiation. In both studies, perceptions of optimal distinctiveness mediated effects. That both of these statements are true is the basis for marilynn brewers theory of optimal distinctiveness, which helps explain why people join social groups and become so attached to the social categories they are part of. Providing a comprehensive exploration of the major developments of social psychological theories that have taken place over the past half century, this innovative twovolume handbook is a state of the art overview of the primary theories and models that have been developed in this vast and fascinating field. Selfcontrol theory walter mischel selfverification theory william b.
The theory of optimal distinctiveness is a theory of the motivational underpinnings of group identification which holds that group identities are selected and maintained to help the individual achieve a balance between the need for inclusion and the need for differentiation from others. Brewer, 1991 which asserts that individuals desire to attain an optimal balance of connectedness and distinctiveness within and between social groups and situations. Optimal distinctiveness theory definition everyone needs to belong. This study integrates social identity model of deindividuation effects side and optimal distinctiveness theory odt in investigating the effect of uniform virtual appearance on individuals willingness to conform to a majority opinion in computermediated groups. Another contemporary psychological needs theory, centered on group involvement specifically, is optimal distinctiveness theory odt. Sep 26, 2017 prince has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of people everywhere, not only in the usa but also globally. Optimal identities are group memberships that meet the.
Whats the value of being different when everyone is. Discussion focuses on the value of relative size and optimal distinctiveness, and when membership trust. We tested this assumption via 2 online experimental studies in the context of brand consumption. A model of optimal distinctiveness is proposed in which social identity is viewed as a reconciliation of opposing needs for assimilation and differentiation from others. According to theory, we all have a need for self esteem, which fuels motivational and cognitive biases in social perception aimed at feeling good about ourselves. Confused with social identity theory, social comparison. Social identity, distinctiveness, and ingroup homogeneity social identity, distinctiveness, and ingroup homogeneity brewer, marilynn b. View optimal distinctiveness theory research papers on academia. A psychological identity relates to selfimage ones mental model of oneself, selfesteem, and individuality. The basic tenet is that people have a need to belong and feel similar to others, yet at the same time to differentiate from others and to feel unique brewer, 1991. Stouffer and his coauthors found, to their surprise, that american soldiers in highstatus units reported being less satisfied with their situation, despite their more promising career opportunities, than american soldiers in lowstatus units. In experiment 2, participants also preferred joining minorities over more powerful majorities.
Optimal distinctiveness theory in social psychology. Broadening the interface between institutional theory and strategic management. Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality, looks andor expressions that make a person selfidentity as emphasized in psychology or group collective identity as preeminent in sociology. We want to be distinctive to a certain degree, but we want to be in a group as well. Building on their definition, the authors then present a framework of inclusion. Hello rfeminism this is my first post here so go easy on me.
Optimal distinctiveness theory optimal distinctiveness theory odt. The role of optimal distinctiveness and homophily in. The effect of uniform virtual appearance on conformity. Attribution theory in social psychology iresearchnet. Data from a large scale cohort survey of 4156 1821. Some, we are born into gender, race and others we choose to take part in what college we choose to attend, clubs, etc. Using marilyn brewers optimal distinctiveness theory odt as a framework, this article examines how prince negotiated his social identity as an integral part of two worldsafrican americans and the music industry while standing apart from both. Relative deprivation theory originated from samuel stouffer and colleagues 1949 classic sociological work the american soldier. One explanation is what psychologists call optimal distinctiveness theory. Confused with social identity theory, social comparison theory, and optimal distinctiveness theory. How to achieve optimal distinctiveness remains unclear.
Optimal distinctiveness theory research papers academia. Optimal distinctiveness theory dr simon moss sicotests. Attribution theoryor rather, a family of attribution theoriesis concerned with the question of how ordinary people explain human behavior. Brewer, 1991, 1993a provides one model of psychological needs relevant for understanding wellbeing within group contexts. Paul, pickett, sherman, and schank 2012 used optimal distinctiveness theory brewer 1991 to inform a schellingesque model 1971 of how different social configurations could stabilize, showing that a social spaces initial configuration strongly affects the persistent patterns of group identity. Optimal distinctiveness signals membership trust geoffrey j. It asserts that individuals desire to attain an optimal balance of inclusion and distinctiveness within and between social groups and situations brewer, 2003. Distinctiveness noun the noun distinctiveness has 2 senses. Optimal distinctiveness theory membership to groups creates equilibrium between needs. Creates strong sense of social identity and group loyalty. Characterizing drug nonusers as distinctive in prevention. One type of attribution theory emphasizes peoples use of folk psychology to detect and understand internal states such as goals, desires, or intentions. Brewer finds that an individual is constantly negotiating the need to individuate the self.
At a general level, selfpsychology is compelled to investigate the question of how the personal self relates to the social environment. These two motives are in constant opposition with each other. Equilibrium between these opposing needs can be achieved by affiliating with clearly bounded groups. Odt is a theory of motivations underlying memberships in social groups. Complications to optimal distinctiveness theory the effect of threat on optimal distinctiveness. A great deal of research has focused on work group diversity, but management scholars have only recently focused on inclusion. According to optimal distinctiveness theory, sufficiently small minority groups are associated with greater membership trust, even among members otherwise unknown, because the groups are seen as optimally distinctive. Optimal distinctiveness theory optimal distinctiveness theory was developed to fill a gap in extant theories of social identity. Attribution theory definition of attribution theory by. An exploratory investigation of identity negotiation and. Brewer, 1991, 1993a,b argues that people can respond to membership of an overly inclusive group by engaging in a drive for subgroup distinctiveness. Optimal distinctiveness theory argues that people want to be affiliated with groups that enable them to optimally balance their belongingness need and the distinctiveness need brewer 1991, 1993. Odt proposes two motivational principles applicable to individuals within groups, namely, assimilation and differentiation.
Equilibrium between these opposing needs can be achieved by affiliating. Constraint interaction in generative grammar, 19932004. Social psychology and human nature 4e chapter 14 quizlet. The goal of this article is to demonstrate that consumers from. Badea, jetten, czukor, and askevisleherpeux 2010, however, did show that individuals prefer groups that are moderate in size, partly consistent with optimal distinctiveness, unless these participants felt this collective was threatened. In her optimal distinctiveness theory, brewer 1991 suggests that the need to be an individual i. Social identity, distinctiveness, and ingroup homogeneity. Clouding matters further, how a firm seeks legitimation and pursues differentiation is contextual depending on industry, technology stage, constituents and other factors.
The role of optimal distinctiveness and homophily in online. Attribution theory definition is a theory that attempts to explain the interpretive process by which people make judgments about the causes of their own behavior and the behavior of others. For instance, optimal distinctiveness theory brewer 1991 suggests that perceptions of explicit ingroups can change in response to certain motivations, such as to assimilate with or be distinct from specific ingroups pickett, silver, and brewer 2002. According to optimal distinctiveness theory and self. Optimal distinctiveness is a social psychological theory seeking to understand ingroupoutgroup differences. Brewer a cognitiveneoassociation theory of aggression leonard berkowitz needtobelong theory roy f. Optimal distinctiveness theory by lucy boyd on prezi. Both effects occurred only when minorities were 20% rather than 45%. To the extent that these theories place themselves in the tradition of psychological social psychology, they focus on explaining an individuals actions within a group in terms of mental events and states. The original statements of social identity theory tajfel, 1981 and the subsequent development of selfcategorization theory turner et al. In this article, the authors first use brewers optimal distinctiveness theory to develop a definition of employee inclusion in. Addressing this call, i examine the effects of one salient contextual. Psychological needsatisfaction and subjective wellbeing.
925 1105 193 13 689 1357 931 468 475 1153 196 94 397 952 176 43 1366 1608 79 109 954 116 990 799 428 665 839 999 79 941 1222 283 1389 32 961 790 519 602 1306 751 926 331 1055