Different Explanations:
A reference group is a collection of people that we use as a standard of comparison for ourselves regardless of whether we are part of that group. We rely on reference groups to understand social norms, which then shape our values, ideas, behavior, and appearance.
A reference group is a group to which an individual or another group is compared.
A reference group is a group to which we compare ourselves.
A reference group can be either from a membership group or non-membership group.
A reference group is a group to which we compare ourselves. Reference groups, such as college freshmen, serve as a standard to which we measure our behaviors and attitudes. We use reference groups in order to guide our behavior and attitudes and help us to identify social norms.
Examples of your normative reference groups include your parents, siblings, teachers, peers, associates and friends. A comparative reference group is a group of individuals whom you compare yourself against and may strive to be like.
Ex:
- determination of affluence
- An individual in the U.S. with an annual income of $80,000, may consider himself affluent if he compares himself to those in the middle of the income strata, who earn roughly $32,000 a year.
- Labor unions
- social clubs
- societies
- celebrities
- heroes
- clubs
- organizations
- religious fellowships
- rock star
Bold= important to know
Don't know if this helped :)
