Final answer:
Social Identity Theory indeed posits that we define ours by distinguishing our in-group from out-groups, contributing to our sense of identity and occasionally leading to bias and prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main answer to the question of whether Social Identity Theory states that we define ourselves in terms of our differences with people who belong to other social categories is True. Social identity theory, developed by Tajfel and Turner, suggests that a key part of one's identity and self-esteem comes from the social groups with which one identifies, known as in-groups, as compared to groups one does not identify with, called out-groups. We distinguish ourselves based on group characteristics, aligning our self-concept with perceived in-group norms and seeing the out-group as fundamentally different, which can lead to in-group bias and even prejudice.An explanation of this concept encompasses understanding that our identities are partly shaped by group membership in various social categories, such as gender, race, age, and social-economic status. These categories provide us with a sense of belonging and emotional connection, which contribute significantly to how we perceive ourselves. In addition, this dynamic can influence social behavior, potentially reinforcing stereotypes through confirmation bias, where we seek out information that supports our stereotypes and ignore contradictory information.In conclusion, social identity theory illustrates how our group affiliations are crucial to our sense of self and how those differing affiliations can lead to viewing others as dissimilar, reinforcing group distinctions and potentially contributing to discriminatory behavior.