A Systematic Literature Review of Social Identity in Wildlife Research

Abstract

Social identity theory examines how people’s identities are shaped by their affiliations with social groups and, in turn, influence cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. Although social identity in the human dimensions of wildlife likely operates in complex and varying ways, prior research has predominantly focused on differences in attitudes across relatively fixed identity categories. Work in other fields, however, demonstrates that social identities are often fluid and situationally activated, capable of shaping how individuals interpret facts, evaluate their own interests, and engage with others. Depending on context, these processes can inspire in-group solidarity, out-group derogation, and intergroup conflict or cooperation, among other effects. In this study, we conduct a systematic scoping review of the extant empirical literature on social identity theory in wildlife conservation settings. Across 99 refereed articles, our review documents the ways in which, to date, social identity theory has been used to understand human relationships with wildlife. Toward future research, we draw on research from social psychology to highlight promising and underexplored directions for incorporating social identity approaches into future research and conservation practice.