Theories of Socio-Political Change and the Dynamics of Sub-Group Versus Superordinate Interests

Abstract

Social change is a core topic within political and social psychology. In light of recent world-wide protest movements directed at social change it is timely to reflect on where current theory and research on socio-political change stands, what the unresolved issues are, and what the necessary next steps. In this paper, three dominant theoretical models are critically evaluated – social identity theory, social dominance theory, and system justification theory – and points of similarity and divergence are highlighted. In addition, it is argued that inclusion of different levels of self-categorization and associated self-interest in the theories has the potential to provide a more “integrated” account of the psychological processes that underpin both system stability and system change.