Minority Self-Categorization: The Case of the Palestinians in Israel

Abstract

This article summarizes basic principles derived from Social Identity Theory for the case of minorities. It then uses them as a theoretical framework to discuss research findings on the self-categorization of the Palestinian minority in Israel. Based on recent findings, a "double marginality" model is proposed, according to which members of this minority internalize a marginal civic identity, alongside a marginal ethnic identity. It is argued that minority members resolve the inherent contradiction between their civic (Israeli) and ethnic (Palestinian) identities by separating the two, rather than by reconciling them. In addition to achieving a critical stability of the self, it is argued that such separation provides minority members with a reasonable degree of self-esteem.