Rosemarie Mielke

Socio‐structural characteristics of intergroup relations and identity management strategies: results from a field study in East Germany

In a field study in East Germany, predictions by Social Identity Theory concerning relations among socio-structural characteristics of intergroup relations (stability, legitimacy, permeability) and identity management strategies (e.g. social competition) were examined. In general, East Germans were expected to consider their status position as inferior compared to West Germans. Moreover, depending on whether they regard such a status difference as legitimate or illegitimate, as stable or unstable, and whether they perceive group boundaries as permeable or impermeable, East German participants should differ with respect to identity management strategies such as change of status relations, change of categorization, change of comparison dimension, change of comparison object and change of group membership. Five hundred and seventeen participants from different regions of East Germany completed a questionnaire on various aspects of life satisfaction. A path model including stability, legitimacy and permeability as predictors, ingroup identification as mediator and identity management strategies as criteria was tested. Results are mainly in line with assumptions on main effects derived from Social Identity Theory. However, some extensions and clarifications with respect to assimilation situations seem to be adequate. In addition, results show that ingroup identification can be regarded as a powerful mediator between perceived intergroup relations and identity management strategies. Copyright

Structure and Preferences of Fundamental Values of Young Athletes Do they differ from Non-Athletes and from young People with Alternative Leisure Activities?

The influence of sport on ethical values of young people is analyzed in two empirical studies. The systematic variation of sport intensity level revealed some differences which could be further interpreted by studying the effects of being engaged in different leisure activities. The results contradict the assumption of social experiences in sport being different with respect to values from those in other kinds of leisure activities. The studies undermine the belief of sport being a builder of character.