The research presented supports the general social identity argument that
people draw identity-relevant information from groups, but also extends the
argument in three very important ways. First, we show that procedural
justice is a powerful influence on behavior and attitudes. Quality of treatment
is not simply a signal of the favorability of current and future outcomes; it
also communicates information about a person's value and self-worth in the
eyes of important reference groups. As the relational model predicts, the
more important the group is to the person, the more they care about quality
of treatment by authorities.

Second, we identify a source of social identity--respect--that we feel has
been overlooked in previous social identity research. People care not only
about the position of their important groups in the larger social context but
also about their position in important groups. Respect is significantly related
to self-esteem, group-serving behavior, and attitudes toward other groups.

Finally, the relational antecedents of pride and respect offer an alterna-
tive route for creating positive social identities. Seeing groups as positive
and important may not require viewing other groups as less desirable but
instead can be the product of social justice. People who belong to groups
in which they and others are treated in fair ways feel proud and respected.
Hence, our findings suggest a way in which positive social idenities can be
created and maintained. Maintaining such identities is vital: Positive social
identities lead to both favorable feelings about the self and to willingness
to act on behalf of the group.

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