2.2.1.4. Reference Group

For any group of people there are always other groups whom they look up to and aspire to be like. The groups whose lifestyles are emulated are known as reference groups.

A reference group is a social group that someone uses as a standard for evaluating themselves and their own behaviors. This means that when individuals look at lifestyles, common behaviors, or certain standards of living, they often compare themselves to these reference groups, even if they are not actually members of these groups themselves.

Imagine a teenager who follows the lifestyle of a famous athlete. Even though the teenager is not part of the athlete's group (like their friends or teammates), they may choose to eat healthy, practice regularly, and adopt similar fashion trends. The athlete serves as a reference group for this teenager.

We do not belong to our reference groups but we identify ourselves with that group. Reference groups are important sources of information about culture, lifestyle, aspiration and goal attainments.

Although individuals do not belong to their reference groups, they still identify with them and often strive to emulate them. This identification can significantly influence personal aspirations, values, and behaviors, making reference groups an essential factor in understanding how individuals shape their goals and the lifestyles they pursue.

Consider a student preparing for college. They may not directly interact with successful alumni from their prospective university, but they admire their achievements and strive to imitate their dedication to studies and involvement in extracurricular activities. The alumni act as a reference group, guiding the student's aspirations.

In the colonial period many middle class Indians aspired to behave like proper Englishman. In that sense they could be seen as a reference group for the aspiring section. But this process was gendered, i.e. it had different implications for men and women.

During the colonial period, aspirations to emulate English lifestyles were prevalent among the Indian middle class. However, these aspirations differed by gender, with specific expectations placed on men and women. Men might aim to adopt English customs in dress and behavior, while women faced pressure to maintain traditional Indian values despite the influence of British culture.

Think about how fashion trends often differ by gender in modern society. For instance, a young man might look to popular male influencers for fashion inspiration, while women frequently navigate a blend of cultural expectations and contemporary styles, illustrating how reference groups can influence individuals differently based on gender.

Do your friends or others of your age group influence you? Are you concerned with their approval or disapproval about the way you dress, behave, the kind of music you like to listen to or the kind of films you prefer? Do you consider it to be social pressure? Discuss.

Peer groups significantly influence individual behavior and choices. Young people, in particular, may feel a strong need for acceptance and approval from their peers. This can lead to adopting similar styles or tastes to fit in, which is often viewed as a form of social pressure, making it important to understand the dynamics between individual identity and peer influences.

Think about a high school where certain clothing brands are 'in' among the popular students. A new student may feel pressured to buy those brands, even if they prefer others that are not as popular, simply to gain acceptance from their peers. This scenario reflects the concept of reference groups operating through peer influence.

--