Sociology: Reference Groups
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a reference group?

  • To evaluate oneself and acquire attitudes, values, and norms (correct)
  • To promote individualism and independence
  • To create conflicts with other groups
  • To provide a sense of belonging to an individual

    • What is a characteristic of an in-group?

  • It competes with and is opposed to an out-group (correct)
  • It has no boundaries to define its members
  • It requires little loyalty from its members
  • It promotes unity among all groups

    • What is the purpose of a boundary in an in-group?

  • To define who is and is not a member of the group (correct)
  • To promote unity among all groups
  • To exclude others from the group
  • To create conflicts with other groups

    • What can an individual do to consider a group as a reference group?

    <p>Evaluate oneself in terms of the group's standards and subscribe to their beliefs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of an out-group in a high school setting?

    <p>Geeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Reference Groups

    • Reference groups are social groups that we use to evaluate ourselves and acquire attitudes, values, beliefs, norms, and mores.
    • Examples of reference groups include families, teachers, classmates, student government leaders, social organizations, rock groups, and professional sports teams.
    • We may consider a group as a reference group even if we are not a member of it, as long as we evaluate ourselves in terms of their standards and subscribe to their beliefs, values, and norms.

    In-Groups and Out-Groups

    • In-groups and out-groups are types of reference groups that are interdependent and form around shared identities, interests, or affiliations.
    • An in-group requires extreme loyalty from its members and competes with and is opposed to an out-group.
    • In-group members tend to feel opposition, antagonism, or competition towards the out-group, and divide people into "we" and "they".
    • Examples of in-groups and out-groups include schools, athletic teams, racially or ethnically divided neighborhoods, or countries at war.

    Boundaries of In-Groups

    • In-groups must have boundaries to distinguish between who is "in" and who is not.
    • Boundaries can be symbols (badges, clothes, or slang), actions (handshake, high five), or involve a specific place.
    • New members are often taught the boundaries at formal or informal initiation ceremonies.

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    Description

    Understand the concept of reference groups in sociology, including how they influence our attitudes, values, and beliefs. Learn how reference groups can include families, teachers, classmates, and more.

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