Journal 5

I thought the Social Identity theory was pretty compelling and not something you think about when you think of a conflict. This theory is based on the idea that everyone wants to have a positive social image and to get this image sometimes conflicts are necessary. This idea of society makes me think of wolves fighting between each other to decide who will be the alpha male and, in some ways, as social groups do have positions like the alpha male, the leaders, and the followers. This theory also made me look at sports in a different way, because it used the example that winning in sports would improve a self-image. The example makes sense because, even though most people play sports for the competition, there is a social aspect to being on a sports team that some people like. This theory was also different because to resolve it you have to look at the bigger picture, you have to see people on the football team not just as football players but as athletes, which makes them seem similar and this reduces the need to socially conflict with them. But this theory makes me wonder if there is another way resolve this theory, other then just accepting people? So the thought of social identity makes you think of your social life and how sometimes you do use conflicts to make a positive effect on that identity.