Reference Groups

The Reference Groups at MKI:

A reference group is a sociological concept referring to a group to which an individual or another group is compared. Other facets pertaining to the notion of “Reference Groups” include:

• Reference groups are used in order to evaluate and determine the nature of a given individual or other group's characteristics and sociological attributes.
• Reference group/s are the groups to which the individual relates or aspires to relate himself or their self psychologically.
• Reference groups become the individual's frame of reference and source for ordering his or her experiences, perceptions, cognition, and ideas of self.
• Reference groups are important for determining a person's self-identity, attitudes, and social ties.
• Reference groups become the basis of reference in making comparisons or contrasts and in evaluating one's appearance and performance.
• Reference groups provide the benchmarks and contrast needed for comparison and evaluation of group and personal characteristics.