Social categorization is the process of mentally categorizing individuals into groups based on characteristics such as age, sex, and ethnicity.
Social categorization defines intergroup relations in ways that are not always simple and clear‐cut, but often complex and multifaceted.
Social categorization is understood to be an important and foundational aspect of social perception [1], [2], [3].
When Lick and Johnson studied this social categorization in the laboratory, they found that people categorized as gay were viewed less favorably than people categorized as straight, in part because their sexual orientation and gendered appearance were processed more slowly.
In social categorization theory, prejudices and stereotypes become fixed and with time develop socially and cognitively in society (Dovidio et al. 2010).
1. Social categorization is a cognitive tool.
Tajfel, H., Billig, M. G., Bundy, R. P. & Flament, C. Social categorization and intergroup behaviour.
Thus, intergroup conflict is the result of social categorization rather than competition for tangible rewards.
In Tajfel's view, social categorization, not intergroup competition, is the key to incipient prejudice.
The possible boundary condition of [Tajifel, H., Billig, M., Bundy, R., & Flament, C. (1971). Social categorization and intergroup behavior.
Additionally, group composition or social categorization diversity in a group is another important yet relatively understudied factor.
