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... > social science subjects > psychology > social psychology > group dynamics > identity and self > optimal distinctiveness
... > social science subjects > psychology > social psychology > group dynamics > theory (group processes) > optimal distinctiveness

Preferred term

optimal distinctiveness  

Definition

  • “Everyone needs to belong.” “Everyone needs to be unique.” That fact that both these statements are true is the basis for Marilynn Brewer's theory of optimal distinctiveness, which helps to explain why we join social groups and become so attached to the social categories of which we are part. Optimal distinctiveness theory is about social identity, that is, how we come to define ourselves in terms of our social group memberships. [Source: Encyclopedia of Group Processes & Intergroup Relations; Optimal Distinctiveness]

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

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