On the advantages of reifying the ingroup

In this chapter I investigate the determinants and consequences of ingroup entitativity. I begin by focusing on the interplay between ingroup entitativity and ingroup identification. Findings from a series of experiments conducted with large, real social categories and with minimal groups, which document the impact of ingroup entitativity on ingroup identification, are presented. I then present a perspective on the value of ingroup entitativity. I suggest that entitativity is a valued characteristic of the ingroup because it reifies it. This triggers the perception of intentionality at the group level and also enhances feelings of security. It is also suggested that entitative ingroups help individuals to deal with existential concerns. Finally, the implications of group entitativity and its relation to group identification are discussed within the socio-political context of national and supra-national identities.