Reference Group

Sociology is a field of study dealing with social life, social causes, social change, and human behavioural consequences. It is mainly the study of human interactions. The study is made via conducting legitimate social research and experiments on social groups, organisations, or institutions.A reference group in sociology can be referred to as a collection of people to which we compare ourselves by treating them as the norm (or standard) even if we are a part of it or not. There is a heavy reliance on reference groups for understanding social norms and hence, shaping social values, ideals, appearances, and behaviours.

What is a reference group in Sociology?

A brief introduction to sociology

• Sociology is a field of study dealing with social life, social causes, social change, and human behavioural consequences
• It is mainly the study of human interactions. The study is made via conducting legitimate social research and experiments on social groups, organisations, or institutions
• There are various categories of social groups in sociology, depending upon whose types various relationships and group dynamics are identified
• There are four basic social group types that have been recognized traditionally
• Secondary groups 
• Collective groups
• Categories

Introduction to Reference Group Sociology

The first question arising in one’s mind after coming across this term is ‘what is a reference group?’, and the second question is ‘why do we need a reference group?’. The answer to both the primary questions will be provided in this article.

• Answer to the ‘what’ question is – A reference group in sociology can be referred to as a collection of people to which we compare ourselves by treating them as the norm (or standard) even if we are a part of it or not
• And the answer to the ‘why’ question is – There is a heavy reliance on reference groups for understanding social norms and hence, shaping social values, ideals, appearances, and behaviours
• Thompson and Hickey define a reference group as a group that individuals set as a standard to evaluate their individual qualities, attitudes, behaviours, circumstances, and values.
• A reference group is one that an individual either psychologically relates to or wants (specifically, aspires) to relate to. It is the standard an individual sets to evaluate themselves and aspire to be

Some examples of Reference Group

Let us look at some easy examples to explain the concept of a reference group

• Example 1: Consider a student committee. They are a group of students that is responsible for maintaining discipline and decorum in an educational institution. The educators will present them as role models for other students to inspire them. Whether consciously or unconsciously, the rest of the students set the student committee as a reference group for themselves. Whether it is the want to be like them, or the want to not follow them, the students set them as a standard to which they compare themselves

• Example 2: Consider a group of environmentalists who work together to protect the environment and rise against activities and/or projects that threaten the environment. Inspired by them, there are individuals that want to protect the environment or do something for the good of the environment, somehow standardising them or their activities for themselves. As a result, the group of said environmentalists becomes a reference group to some individuals

Some Types of Norms Based on Reference Groups

• By setting a reference group as the standard for norms and dominant ideals based on race, religion, class, gender, region, age, neighbourhood or locality, ethnicity, etc., one chooses to either accept them or replicate them into their thoughts, values, behaviours, and/or interaction
• By relating to a reference group, one can feel that they ‘fit in’ or ‘belong to’ somewhere
• A typical case would be that individuals that do not tend to follow ‘social norms’ are treated as outcasts, criminals, or in some positive aspects as trendsetters, or revolutionaries
• ‘Gender and sexuality norms’ are another case where identifying with a reference group could either provide an individual with a sense of belonging or make them feel like an outcast. That is the power a reference group has in society

Conclusion

By the end of this article, we have learned:

• Brief concepts of sociology, the role of social groups, and categorisation of social groups
• What is a reference group? And why do we need a reference group?
• Some examples to understand the concept of a reference group
• Establishment of norms based on reference groups and the role of the reference group in society

To put it simply, a reference group is a group that individuals set as a standard to evaluate their individual qualities, attitudes, behaviours, circumstances, and values.By setting a reference group as the standard for norms and dominant ideals, one chooses to either accept them or replicate them into their thoughts, values, behaviours, and/or interaction.