Multiple social categorization

Social categorization defines intergroup relations in ways that are not always simple and clear-cut, but often complex and multifaceted. There are diverse, overlapping, and interwoven ways in which we can describe ourselves and others: young, British, Asian, woman, Muslim, engineer, and so on. We know that which of these identities is used in person perception depends upon a variety of factors, including context and motivation; but also that identities are not mutually exclusive. We can be, and often are, identified and we identify others according to a combination of group memberships: a disabled athlete, a young Briton, a female engineer. Research on multiple social categorization has found that our many and varied, cross-cutting and convoluted, social identities have significant implications for understanding, and attenuating, prejudice and intergroup discrimination. This chapter reviews our own and others' research on multiple social categorization and discusses when and how different multiple categorization strategies can lead to more positive intergroup attitudes. We develop a model of the processes involved and explain how this work can help policy makers and practitioners in their efforts to promote, encourage, and enhance harmonious intergroup relations. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.