Social Comparison Theory and Reference Groups

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of an in-group?

A group that a person does not feel connected to.

A social group that a person identifies with and feels they belong to. (correct)

A group identified by non-membership.

A group defined by equal treatment of all members.

What term describes the tendency to favor members of one’s own group over those of another?

Community engagement

In-group favoritism (correct)

Out-group bias

Group solidarity

What is a key function of social organization according to the learning targets?

Promoting competition among social groups.

Encouraging isolation of out-group members.

Providing entertainment for group members.

Creating rules that govern behavior. (correct)

Which statement accurately describes the notion of stereotypes?

Stereotypes are oversimplified, generalized beliefs about a group. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How might negative beliefs about out-group members influence society?

They can lead to conflict and misunderstanding. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an out-group?

A group that a person does not identify with and feels they do not belong to. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What attitude should learners develop according to this unit?

Courage to ask questions about themselves. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a latent function of social organizations?

Subconsciously fostering group identity and cohesion. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a reference group primarily used for in social comparison?

To evaluate one's attitude, beliefs, and behaviors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a positive reference group from a negative reference group?

Negative reference groups are avoided by individuals. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can one change their reference group throughout their life?

By adapting to different life stages. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is anticipatory socialization?

Learning behaviors by associating with out-groups. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do networks differ from traditional social groups?

Networks can include weak social ties. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of being part of a network?

Access to expected cultural and economic benefits. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a prejudice?

A preconceived opinion toward a person or group without proper knowledge. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does power have on in-groups and out-groups?

It allows powerful groups to influence societal views of out-groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does social media influence the development of networks?

It enhances the ability to form connections worldwide. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines intergroup aggression?

Behavior intended to harm an out-group member, perceived as undesirable. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Charles Horton Cooley's looking-glass self theory suggest about social media?

It impacts how individuals project themselves in society. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How might stereotypes unfairly affect specific ethnic groups?

They generalize the abilities of an entire group, ignoring individual differences. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do social organizations play in addressing societal issues?

They provide a platform for discussing and solving group-related conflicts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What might lead to fewer opportunities for women in leadership roles?

Prejudice against women in organizational settings. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does one typically measure success within a family context?

Against the achievements of other family members. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having a reference group?

It serves as a framework for self-assessment and expectations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Targets

Understand the organized nature of social life and the rules governing behavior.
Compare various social forms of organization based on manifest and latent functions.

Values and Attitudes

Engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation.
Cultivate courage to question oneself.
Uphold democratic values and practices.

In-Group: Group individuals identify with, feeling a sense of belonging.
Out-Group: Group individuals do not identify with and feel they do not belong to.
In-group members display loyalty and often perceive themselves as superior to out-group members.
In-group favoritism leads to biases, stereotypes, and prejudices against non-members.

Stereotypes and Prejudices

Stereotype: Oversimplified and generalized belief about a group, ignoring individual differences (e.g. ethnic stereotypes).
Prejudice: Preconceived opinion, often negative, towards a group based on their membership, leading to discrimination (e.g. gender biases).

Power Dynamics

A powerful in-group influences societal views of out-group members.
Intergroup aggression occurs when a dominant group harms out-group members, constituting behaviors aiming to inflict harm.

Reference Group: Group individuals compare themselves to for evaluating attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, introduced by Herbert Hyman.
Reference groups influence personal and social identity; individuals may change their reference group throughout different life stages.
Anticipatory Socialization: Using out-groups as references to guide future behavior and integration into desired groups.

Types of Reference Groups

Positive Reference Groups: Norms are adopted to belong to a group.
Negative Reference Groups: Norms are avoided to prevent association.

Networks

Defined as a structure of social actors connected by weak ties.
Networks can vary in size and relationship; family can form a personal network.
The internet allows for the formation of global networks, enhancing connections beyond geographic boundaries.
Membership in networks offers cultural, economic benefits, and social capital.

Charles Horton Cooley’s looking-glass self theory illustrates how self-perception can be shaped by social media interactions, influencing how individuals present themselves online.

Networks differ from social groups in structure and connection strength.
Being part of a network provides cultural and economic advantages.
Social media facilitates the growth and maintenance of social networks, reshaping social interactions.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of reference groups and their influence on individuals' self-evaluation and identity. Discover how comparison with others impacts attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and examine the role of social context in shaping personal and social identity.