Examples Of Reference Groups

In his often cited essay, “The Formation of In-Groups,” Gordon Allport offers his theory on how the groups with which one identifies directly influence the development of one’s individual identity. An “in-group” is a group where members share common traits such as societal status, religion, values or sexual orientation. All the members are alike in some way and that similarity unites them as a group. Allport suggests that one belongs to many in-groups throughout his or her lifetime. Individuals are born into some in-groups, such as one’s family, race or socio-economic level; this Allport terms as an “ascribed status”. People also obtain “achieved status” in a group such as one’s circle

In the selection “Groups and Conformity" by Michael R. Solomon, he talks about how people in groups are more influential than an individual person would be. When a person basically changes their attitude or behavior just to fit into a group is a reference group. There are three forms of reference group’s influence. The first one is informational influence. With this influence, people seek out information on different products before they buy the product. The second one is utilitarian influence. In this influence, before people make a decision on a product, they go to family or friends and see what they think of the product first. The third one is value-expressive influence. In this influence, people feel like they will be more successful when

During my eighth grade year, I was voted president for both student council and National Junior Honor Society. I also participated in the first middle school division competition for Cyber Patriots and placed fourth in the nation. I received an award from the Mayor of San Antonio for this achievement.

The honor society awards students who show the qualities scholarship, leadership, and character and offer their service to the community. From this opportunity, I learned that grades are not the only thing that make a person, it is how a person presents himself or herself as a member of the community and what they do in their community. I have also learned that little deeds go a long way. Giving

Through the program I gain knowledge and hands on experience for the career I will pursue, however, I also do voluntary community service which sets me apart in the aspect that I do volunteer work in helping the community and I gain knowledge on my career. The most meaningful achievement was when I attended the Phoenix Police Explorers Academy, the academy was enforced as a real police academy is. The academy lasted two weeks and was about 10-11 hours each day. Attending the academy relates to the field of study and my future goals because I was able to get an insight on how an academy is ran and gain more knowledge on how important working as a “team” is. I am a good candidate to receive this award because as a young adult I have a lot of experience in my field of study and have shown dedication in pursuing the career as being in Law Enforcement, also I have come in contact with many respectable people such as Mayor Jerry Weiers, Chief Debora Black, etc. The most significant academic achievement I have been given is the Principles Pass at Independence High School. The award was given to those who maintained good grades which will influence my goals for the future because is shows my dedication to my studies in pursuing an education in Law

Everything we did in class was put towards winning this award, and the fact that I was the one picked is such an achievement for

Adopting a system that prioritizes excellence over average not only encourages healthy rivalry but also gives young brains the tools they need to preserve through setbacks and ultimately triumph. In the article “Losing Is Good for You” by Ashley Merryman, it states that “Kids respond positively to praise; they enjoy hearing that they’re talented, smart and so on.

I still remember the time in Middle School when I was inducted as a member of NJHS(National Junior Honor Society). It was truly an honor to be accepted such a recognition for my outstanding grades and admirable characters. While receiving the certificate, I looked over to my parents who had big smiles on their face, they were very proud. Being a member of NJHS made me realize I play an important role in the community.

Throughout the book, Conley discusses elements of race and class based on his own experiences. He has an advantaged perspective in that his parents have been living in the southern part of town before he was born, making it so that his parent’s previous experiences also shape his view. He discusses race and class, declaring the statement that “race and class are nothing more than a set of stories we tell ourselves to get through the world, to organize reality.” (pg.7) What he means by ‘organizing reality’ connects to the concept of racial hierarchy as well the social distance scale. Although Conley’s parents aren’t the wealthiest white people, their black and Hispanic neighbors felt the need to stay away from them. Because of their skin color, they felt a gap between themselves. Conley’s parents were not racist but because

There are many factors that shape us into who we are, and who we will become. Some of these factors we can control, while others we cannot. While we are born into many traits of our identities, much of our other behavior is learned. My identity, for example, is “based not only on responses to the question ‘Who am I?’ but also on responses to the question ‘Who am I in relation to others?’” (Allen, 2011, p. 11). My identity and the question of who I am, are both influenced by many aspects of my life, including my hometown, my family, my friends, and my beliefs and moral values.

Who are you? Who am I? These are questions that we all ponder at some point or another in our lives. As human beings we are seemingly inundated with the desire to classify and categorise. We are constantly defining and analysing the differences that we observe in the world, it seems only natural that we would apply this method of classification to our position within our society. More specifically, we want to understand our social identities and this can be achieved by acknowledging which groups we identify most with.

In order to find a definition that is able to capture what a reference group is in a comprehensive sentence, has been difficult and thus the following terms are the most relevant. The term reference group is defined as ‘A group of people that influences the decisions and opinions of a person or group’ (Cambridge, 2016). This term however, is very simplistic and more detail is required to fully understand what reference groups are. Hyman (1942) originally characterised the term in a social status study and this characterisation has been developed and refined numerous amounts of times since, (comb, 1943, Campbell, et al, 1960 and Shibutani, 1955). Park & Lessig (1977) provided their version

I was awarded the Student Service Leadership Award, during the baccalaureate ceremony preceding my graduation at Xavier University of Louisiana. This honor is important to me because it solidifies that while attending the university I was able to help make a positive difference on campus and the surrounding community. While I have gained other honors, this is the most important because it is a result of practicing my life goal of serving the underserved. I believe that it is up to every person to leave an

An individual’s identity is shaped and created by many factors such as family, culture, and friendship groups (Trepte, S. 2206). The individual’s personal identity of “self” may alter when interacting with any of these groups due to the influence and the characteristics these groups possess (Burke, PJ. Sets, JE. 2000). The human desire to feel a sense of belonging is the driving force for individuals to create themselves around particular groups (Trepte, S. 2206). When people find out that their experiences, thoughts and feelings are mirrored by other people, an immediately connection is formed due to the understanding that they are not isolated in their experiences (Rogers, W.S. 2011). The common ground individuals find in others, allows for the formation of groups (Trepte, S. 2206). The “commonality” amongst certain groups of people allow for Social Categorization (Burke, PJ. Sets, JE. 2000). Social

A reference group is any person or group that serves as a point of comparison (or reference) for an individual in forming either general or specific values, attitudes, or a specific guide for behavior. They help us understand the impact of other people on an individual’s consumption beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. It helps marketers choose their methodology to affect desired changes in consumer behavior. From a marketing perspective, reference groups are groups that serve as frames of reference for individuals in their purchase or consumption decisions. Reference groups that influence general or broadly defined values or behavior are called normative reference groups. Reference groups that serve as benchmarks for specific or narrowly