Subgroup differentiation as a response to an overly-inclusive group: a test of optimal distinctiveness theory

Optimal distinctiveness theory (ODT; Brewer, 1991, 1993a,b) argues that peo ple can respond to membership of an over ly inclusive group by engaging in a drive for subgroup distinctiveness. To test this, 280 subgroup members (h umanities and maths-science students) rated the extent to which they percei ved their superordinate group university of Queensland to be inclusive. Aft er performing a task designed to activate their superordinate category memb ership, participants completed a questionnaire assessing inter-subgroup att itudes. Consistent with ODT, ratings of superordinate inclusiveness explain ed a moderate amount of variance in subgroup bias (5-8 per cent), such that the more inclusive the superordinate category was seen to be, the more bia s was demonstrated. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance f or ODT and their implications for promoting subgroup harmony. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.