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... > social science subjects > psychology > social psychology > group dynamics > group participation > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > social psychology > group dynamics > identity and self > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > cross-cultural psychology > multicultural psychology > conceptual issues in multicultural psychology > intergroup relations > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > applied psychology > cross-cultural psychology > multicultural psychology > conceptual issues in multicultural psychology > intergroup relations > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > cross-cultural psychology > multicultural psychology > cultural concerns > intergroup relations > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > applied psychology > cross-cultural psychology > multicultural psychology > cultural concerns > intergroup relations > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > social psychology > group dynamics > intergroup relations > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > applied psychology > industrial psychology > groups, teams, and teamwork > intergroup relations > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > cross-cultural psychology > multicultural psychology > sociological issues > intergroup relations > optimal distinctiveness theory
... > social science subjects > psychology > applied psychology > cross-cultural psychology > multicultural psychology > sociological issues > intergroup relations > optimal distinctiveness theory
social science subjects > psychology > social psychology > the self > optimal distinctiveness theory

Preferred term

optimal distinctiveness theory  

Definition

  • Definition “Everyone needs to belong.” “Everyone needs to be unique.” That both of these statements are true is the basis for Marilynn Brewer's theory of optimal distinctiveness, which helps explain why people join social groups and become so attached to the social categories they are part of. Optimal distinctiveness theory is about social identity—how people come to define themselves in terms of their social group memberships. [Source: Encyclopedia of Social Psychology; Optimal Distinctiveness Theory]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/optimal_distinctiveness_theory

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