Theories and Concepts
Social Comparison Theory
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Leon Festinger proposed social comparison theory in 1954, a second major contribution alongside his later work on cognitive dissonance. The theory addresses how people evaluate their own abilities and opinions when no objective external standard is available.
Facts
Core ClaimPeople determine their own social and personal worth by comparing themselves to others, especially when no objective standard exists; comparison with similar others is most informative, and the direction of comparison, upward toward those perceived as better off or downward toward those perceived as worse off, shapes its emotional effect. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Festinger's two major theoretical contributions, seven years apart.
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Sources
1. Wikipedia: Social Comparison Theory
Wikimedia FoundationOverviewQuote, Overview
The theory explains how individuals evaluate their opinions and abilities by comparing themselves to others to reduce uncertainty in these domains and learn how to define the self.
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