Intergroup relations and social change within a nursing context.

Tajfel's theory of intergroup relations (1974) was used to predict the responses of 40 high and low status nurses (SRNs and SENs) to the possible effects of social change in the form of a merger of both groups. Evidence is presented to support the prediction that the high status group are threatened by loss of status, and will emphasize their superiority if change occurs. The high status group is highly evaluated by both groups and, even when social change is rejected, the low status group still continues to favourably evaluate the high status group. Contrary to prediction, low status nurses do not perceive current status relations to be more illegitimate than the high status group; but as a group they show more hostility than the high status group, especially in situations which demand cooperation rather than competition. The results are interpreted in terms of the theory and the social context of nursing. Some suggestions are made for amendments to the theory.