Final answer:
Social identity theory suggests that people in low-status jobs may define themselves through non-job related groups to find a sense of pride and self-esteem, which is also influenced by in-group bias favoring their selected affiliations aside from their job status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social identity theory indeed provides insight into why individuals in low-status jobs might choose to define themselves through non-job related groups. This theory posits that people derive part of their identity from social groups, and these groups provide them with a sense of pride and self-esteem. When an individual's job is considered low in occupational prestige—a concept that acknowledges that not all jobs are equally valued—they may seek out other groups that bolster their self-identity in a more positive way. This might be reflected in the statement that after work, a janitor might feel more comfortable eating at a truck stop than a French restaurant because the truck stop is more aligned with their social identity and where they perceive less status-based stratification.
In-group bias, which is a preference for one's own group over other groups, can lead people to associate more closely with groups that reflect their desired identity. Therefore, for someone in a lower-status job, finding affirmation and self-esteem within non-job related in-groups can be an important tool for maintaining a positive self-concept. This partially explains why people in low-status jobs might not define themselves primarily through their job, but rather through other affiliations, effectively diversifying their social identity.