Optimal distinctiveness theory is a social psychological theory seeking to understand the differences between an ingroup and an outgroup, first proposed by Marilynn B. Brewer in 1991 and extensively reviewed again in 2010 by Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Cynthia L. Pickett and Brewer herself. It holds that individuals seek an optimal balance between two competing motives, inclusion within a social group and distinctiveness from it, that stand in constant opposition to each other: whenever one motive grows too strong within and between social groups and situations, the other increases to counterbalance it.
Facts
Core Claimindividuals desire to attain an optimal balance of inclusion and distinctiveness within and between social groups and situations 1 Connections
Held Differently
Marilynn Brewer's optimal distinctiveness theory was developed as a refinement of social identity theory, proposing that group identification balances needs for both belonging and distinctiveness left unresolved by the original theory.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Optimal distinctiveness theory
Introduction, first sentence
individuals desire to attain an optimal balance of inclusion and distinctiveness within and between social groups and situations
Introduction, final sentence
first proposed by Dr. Marilynn B. Brewer in 1991
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