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Yuki, M. (2003). Intergroup comparison versus intragroup relationships: A
cross-cultural examination of social identity theory in North
American and East Asian
cultural contexts. Social Psychology Quarterly, 66, 166-183.
Abstract
A review of the theoretical and empirical literature suggests that social identity theory
does not account well for collectivistic behaviors among East Asians. I hypothesize that
the central theme of East Asian group behavior is cooperation within a group; this is
represented cognitively as an interpersonal network among the members, with the
emphasis on the relational self. Results of a survey of 122 Japanese and 126 American
respondents largely supported this hypothesis. For Americans, in-group loyalty and
identity with their small and large in-groups were correlated positively with perceived
in-group homogeneity and in-group status. No such correlation was found for Japanese
respondents, however. Instead, Japanese in-group loyalty and identity were predicted by
respondents' knowledge of the relational structure within the group, knowledge of the
individual differences between members of the group, and feelings of personal
connectedness with in-group members. I discuss the meaningfulness of comparing
group processes in different cultural contexts.
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myuki@let.hokudai.ac.jp