¶ … Allport (1979), what usually defines an in-group is that all of its members "use the term we with the same essential significance." (p. 31) The attachment in such cases is variable and flexible, meaning one can change profession or school and thus become member of a different in-group. By in-groups, we therefore understand a particular affiliation to smaller groups or groups which belong to certain constructions. Ethnic groups and race groups are also considered part of the category; however, these are understood as much larger assemblies. Secondly, "intergroup" refers to the relations occurring between two or more social groups. Stereotyping occurs both in-group and intergroup. This assumes that, within an in-group, although individuals share similar visions in relation to the nature of the group, stereotyping may still occur. Because any group is of social nature, different organizational structures and ranks will exist. As such, within an in-group, higher-status and dominant units exert influence upon most of the in-group. When high -- ranked groups criticize those under their subordination, the latter may come to assimilate those negative perceptions, the discriminatory behavior leading thus to feelings of low self-esteem or dissociation. This can result into what has come to be known as negative in-group stereotyping. It occurs "when an individual embraces a negative stereotype regarding...

37) as a consequence of having internalized "others' negative perceptions regarding their own group." (Burkley & Blanton, 2008, p. 38) For example, some women may use the old "women are bad at math" myth to excuse a poor performance. Castano et al. (2002) affirmed that, in such situations, "An ingroup member can jeopardize the ingroup reputation." (p. 366) The social identity theory (Tajfel, 1978, 1981; Tajfel & Turner, 1979) sought to redefine the psychological construction which relates an individual to a group and implies categorization processes and behaviors. The discriminatory effect was interpreted in relation to categorization, social comparison, and social identity. This interpretation assumed that individuals create the social reality by perceiving themselves and others in significant categories. As such, the formation of social identity is a consequence of self -- perception in relation to categorization, thus of conscientious affiliation. Social comparison is when individuals either affiliate themselves with similar members who will foreground the group's position by comparison or resort to bias behavior, by discriminating against (perceived) inferior groups. This hypothesis of course illustrates stereotyping behavior of intergroup relations as well. Groups therefore, behaviorally determined to attain a positive social identity,…