SOC 104 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Santa Barbara City College, Social Comparison Theory, The Need
Document Summary
Social comparison theory is the idea that we learn about our own abilities and attitudes by comparing ourselves with other people. We learn about our own abilities and attitudes by comparing ourselves to other people. We compare ourselves with others who are similar on important attributes or dimensions. We compare ourselves to others when there is no objective standard. When you"re not sure how well you"re doing or exactly what you are feeling, you will observe other people and compare yourself with them. Downward social comparisons can make us feel better. Upward social comparisons can make us feel worse or they inspire us (sometimes ) We use social comparison to boost our egos. Downward social comparison (comparing yourself with people who are worse than you on a particular trait or ability) = is a self- protective, self-enhancing strategy. People are most likely to spontaneously engage in downward social comparisons when they wanted to feel better about themselves.
