First we´ll see the primary group, which is composed of “a small number of members, usually similar in age, sex, and social class… and a commonly shared set of likes and dislikes which ties the group together” (Chapman, 1995, pg. 344).
An example of a primary group could be your group of close friends. The primary group has a lot of influence in you, since the members are very close to you and they are people you usually trust and rely on,“its impact on the development of adolescents as the primary locus of self-esteem, confidence, security, and identity cannot be doubted” (Chapman, 1995, pg. 344).
We also have the secondary groups, which are “large, formalized organizations, for example Girl Guides, YMCA, High School.” (Chapman, 1995, pg. 344). These groups can also have an influence in you, though it is less than the one the primary group has, since you interact with the primary group more.
We also have reference groups. The reference group is a group you observe a lot, you take them as reference as to deciding if your decisions and actions are good or not, but you usually don´t belong to that group. For example the popular people at school, you base today´s outfit, your attitude, and many other things in them. Though you can also belong to the reference groups, for example if you take your family or friends´ opinion in consideration. Or, for example, as Hawkins explains us “Individuals frequently purchase products thought to be used by a desired group in order to achieve actual or symbolic membership in the group” (Hawkins, 2010, pg. 260).
Then we have in-groups and out-groups. The in-group is a group you belong to, you have a common goal with all the members, and this goal is usually winning a competition or being the best.
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