Identity uncertainty and UK–Scottish relations: Different dynamics depending on relative identity centrality

Jiin Jung, Michael Hogg, Gary Lewis

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Abstract

Drawing on uncertainty-identity theory, we investigated how people respond differently to identity uncertainty at a superordinate (i.e., UK) or subgroup (i.e., Scottish) level depending on the subjective self-conceptual centrality of subgroup relative to superordinate group; altering superordinate and subgroup identification and attitude toward subgroup relations to the superordinate group in the context of Scotland’s bid for independence from the UK (N=115). Hierarchical regression analyses confirmed our prediction. Where the subgroup was self-conceptually more central than the superordinate group, subgroup identity uncertainty strengthened superordinate identification (H1) and weakened subgroup identification. Strengthened superordinate identification weakened support for subgroup separation. However, where the superordinate group was self-conceptually more central than the subgroup, superordinate identity uncertainty was not associated with superordinate and subgroup identification (H2).
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)861-873
Number of pages13
JournalGroup Processes and Intergroup Relations
Volume21
Issue number6
Early online date30 Nov 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2018

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