Socio-Structural Intergroup Characteristics as Predictors of Intention to Join University Alumni Association

Author(s)/Creator(s)

Gideon Mazambani, East Texas A&M University
Stephen Reysen, East Texas A&M UniversityFollow
Shonda Gibson, East Texas A&M University
LaVelle Hendricks, East Texas A&M UniversityFollow

Publication Title

World Journal of Social Science

Document Type

Article

Abstract/Description

We examined the association between socio-structural intergroup characteristics (i.e., permeability of group boundaries, legitimacy of status difference between ingroup and outgroups, stability of status difference) and students’ intention to join the university alumni association. Prior theory and research suggests that group members assess the intergroup context to direct identity management strategies (e.g., leave group, collective action). College students in their last semester at a university were asked to rate the perceived socio-structural characteristics of the ingroup (compared to other universities) and their intention to join the alumni association. The results showed that perceiving one’s ingroup as legitimately high status and in a stable intergroup context predicted greater intention to join the alumni association. Consistent with prior theory, the results suggest that viewing one’s ingroup as legitimately high status predicts endorsement of actions to maintain a positive and distinct identity.

Department

Psychology and Special Education

First Page

42

Last Page

51

DOI

10.5430/wjss.v4n2p42

Volume

4

Issue

2

Date

7-5-2017

Publisher

Sciedu Press

Comments

Originally published at http://wjss.sciedupress.com

Citation Information

Mazambani, Gideon; Reysen, Stephen; Gibson, Shonda; and Hendricks, LaVelle, "Socio-Structural Intergroup Characteristics as Predictors of Intention to Join University Alumni Association" (2017). Faculty Publications. 27.
https://lair.etamu.edu/educ-faculty-publications/27