Self-categorization and wellbeing
We, Mongolians, categorize ourselves as Rats, Rabbits and Dragons (by Lunar astrological signs). This categorization is so strong that it, believe it or not, influences some on the selection of their spouse. At corporate world or even at kindergartens and schools teachers conduct temperament tests and categorize humans as choleric or melancholy. From this, a question popped up in my mind - why do we categorize people? Apparently, this is an innate ability of human beings. Infants as early as 3 months can distinguish between different animals (Quinn et al., 1993). It is part of our survival skills. Categorization helps us to understand the world around us. If we did not have this ability, we would have spend much energy on getting to know every new item that surrounds us. The same is true in interaction with humans. Putting person in a temperament box, helps us to decide on how to interact with that co-worker or a student. This categorization thing does not stop here, it...