From the evolutionary perspective, people have evolved to form bonds with others to help increase their chances of survival. In establishing these relationships the human need to belong has been highlighted, which in turn requires social acceptance of an individual and their underlying behaviours (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008).
Australians, like all other regional groups of people are social beings who have a propensity to form a social identity and social values based on their group membership (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008). Within the melting pot of Australia many different cultures influence Australia's social identity and values, and this has been seen through the changes in Australia’s identity through historical times.
Social psychological theory and research indicates an individuals' social identity is formed by social forces that effect an individual's identity processes and membership to socially categorised groups (Goar, 2003). This is supported by Tajfel's (1981) Social Identity Theory (Smith & Bond, 1993) and Sheriffs research on in-group out-group biases which can be seen in the use of stereotypes and through cross- cultural relationships within Australia (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008).
