Group Devaluation and Group Identification

To authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2010.01661.x Byline: Colin Wayne Leach (1), Patricia M. Rodriguez Mosquera (2), Michael L. W. Vliek (3), Emily Hirt (4) Abstract: In three studies, we showed that increased in-group identification after (perceived or actual) group devaluation is an assertion of a (preexisting) positive social identity that counters the negative social identity implied in societal devaluation. Two studies with real-world groups used order manipulations to show that the (perceived or actual) devaluation of an in-group led individuals to increase their identification with this in-group. Group devaluation most strongly and consistently increased individuals' satisfaction, rather than solidarity, centrality, or the other components of Leach et al.'s (2008) measure of identification. A third study showed that giving Black Britons the opportunity to identify with this in-group immediately after evidence of its societal devaluation reduced feelings of vulnerability (but not rejection). Although there was consistent evidence of the (perceived or actual) group devaluation [double right arrow] group identification link, the group identification [double right arrow] (perceived) group devaluation link was much stronger. Implications for theory and research are discussed. Author Affiliation: (1)University of Connecticut (2)Wesleyan University (3)University of Amsterdam (4)University of Sussex Article note: (*) Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Colin Wayne Leach, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Bousfield Psychology Building 172, 406 Babbidge Road, U-1020, Storrs, CT 06269-1020 [e-mail: colin.leach@uconn.edu].