In social life, interpersonal and/or intergroup relations are essential. Relationships are also possible with the transfer of individuals individually or in groups. Although there are different beliefs and thoughts, people create an identity representation within this structure for the functional continuation of social life. Thus, the relationship and communication continue.
Social psychologists Henri Tajfel and John Turner developed the Social Identity Theory in order to reveal and understand the dynamics of these relationships.
The Second World War as the reason for the emergence of the theory. It is shown that the prejudice and discrimination behaviors among the groups increase in the process.
It is possible to define the concept of social identity as the collective self. It would be a correct determination to consider it as an appropriate positioning in the social network. Going in the appropriate lane, speed and direction in the pedestrian or vehicle according to the vehicle and other factors in traffic is an ideal metaphor for positioning a social network.
There are three basic concepts of the theory;
Social Categorization, Social Comparison and Identification with the Group.
Social Comparison is the part that I will work on by reconciling it with the subject. I will consider the comparison together with competition, which is an important component of social life dynamics.
Competition: literally; "The competition to get better, to get better results between people or organizations doing the same job." is defined as.
There does not appear to be a harmful or negative aspect of competition on the basis of its definition. There is a positive outlook, such as achieving better. Because sports competitions are a good example of this. Social competition functions constructively in society if its rules are governed by an effective justice system. Local level competitions, World Cup Olympics etc. Competitions such as these also have effects such as cross-cultural interaction and economic gains, if viewed outside the capitalist context.
To be together at the level of the individual, to be together even if it is a rival; It is necessary for the person who has the bond of belonging. It is also constructive for the social identity development mentioned above. It is another fact that the people who have won degrees in the competitions are role-models in social life and are the subjects that are admired by many people. such as competing, struggling, strategizing and taking action. It also has repulsive functions. It also contributes to the questioning and development of self-esteem, which can evolve into two extremes such as self-confidence and inadequacy. The important thing is to win, beyond the motto of competing.
There are many elements of competition that are ongoing and changing in today's life. On a simple scale, we have seen race scenes between siblings and families, such as dinners, dresses, weddings. More recently, there are many areas of competition in the audio-visual media, from sound competitions to food competitions. Exams, interviews, recruitment procedures, all constitute examples of competition.
When it comes to competition, it is inevitable that comparison is included in the process. Because competition is a struggle and a race. The race can be with one another, or it can include competition with one's own degrees. Time, distance and record are components for judging the outcome of the race. It is possible for all of these to gain meaning by comparing them to one another.
In children who are in the stage of identity development, who live in a life full of competitions or competitive factors in every area of life, competition and comparison with it in its clearest form are also possible. is observed. Parents asking, “Who got the highest grade in the class?”, children compared to the clothes, the school they attend, the food they eat. Factors such as exams that keep children competitive all the time. It is possible to multiply examples.
Having the most and the best It is the usual result that the child, as a learning mind, cannot stay away from comparison and always wants the most while being imposed from all sides. .
As a result, it is undeniable that there is competition and comparison in the flow of social life and its contribution to social identity. It is clear that it is a driving and motivating element inherent in life.
"Do not compare your children" advice It would be more appropriate to advise a fair and sharing life instead of the slogan and slogan. It is the most important duty and responsibility of the individuals who have a role in education.
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