Group Identification as a Multidimensional Construct: The Case of Ethnicity

Abstract

This study investigated whether group identity as pertaining to an ascribed identity (ethnicity) is a multidimensional construct and examined the relationship between group identification and inter-group attitudes. Data was gathered from a random sample of one hundred twenty six male respondents using a structured questionnaire. Results of factor analysis indicated that group identity was composed of three dimensions (i) affective, (ii) cognitive and (iii) evaluative. The three dimensions were positively correlated to each other indicating that they reflect different facets of a common construct. Inter-group attitudes constrained to two factors: positive attitudes towards out-group and positive attitudes toward in-group. The three dimensions of group identity were positively correlated to positive attitude towards in-group members and a significant negative relationship with positive attitudes towards out-group members was obtained for respectively the evaluative and cognitive dimensions. Results were discussed in terms of the viability of group identity as a multidimensional construct within the specific context of a multiethnic society.


IFE Psychologia Vol.12(2) 2004: 87-98