Multiple social categorizations, social identities and the reduction of intergroup prejudices|Categorizzazioni, appartenenze sociali multiple e riduzione del pregiudizio intergruppi

The current paper reviews the fundamental developments of social categorization theories, showing that the more the number and complexity of others’ social categories increase, the more social prejudice and intergroup discrimination decrease. Moreover, not only the perception of the complex combination of others’ memberships but also the awareness of being at same time member of multiple groups contributes to attenuate intergroup differentiations and prejudice thus promoting tolerance. Theoretical and applied implications of these findings are discussed.