Självkategori

Självkategori is a Swedish term that translates to "self-categorization" or "self-classification." It refers to the process by which an individual perceives themselves as belonging to a particular social group or category. This process is fundamental to social identity theory, which posits that individuals derive part of their self-concept from their membership in social groups.

When an individual engages in self-categorization, they identify with the norms, values, and characteristics associated with a group. This identification can influence their attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of others. For example, someone who self-categorizes as a football fan will likely adopt behaviors and beliefs consistent with that group, such as following team news, attending games, and expressing loyalty.

The process of self-categorization is often fluid and can change depending on context. An individual might self-categorize differently in various social situations. Furthermore, the salience of a particular category can influence the strength of the identification. For instance, if someone is in a situation where their national identity is particularly relevant, they may strongly self-categorize as belonging to that nation.

Self-categorization plays a role in intergroup relations, as it can lead to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination. By categorizing oneself as part of an in-group, individuals may develop a more positive view of their own group compared to others. This psychological mechanism contributes to the formation and maintenance of social hierarchies and group dynamics. The concept is also explored in cognitive psychology and sociology to understand how people organize social information and form social identities.