Concepts of In and Out Groups

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In-group is a group of people who share common interests and have a concern for each other's welfare, and whose members may include family, distant relatives, co-workers, and members of political and/or religious groups to which an individual belongs. Individuals form in-groups based on mutual interests and common traits since they are most likely to receive reinforcement for such traits from similar others. In-group members will view their long-term welfare in terms of the successes of the group.

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THE DEFINITION OF MAJORITY (DOMINANT) GROUPS (IN-GROUPS):

1. They have an attitude that they are superior to minority groups.
2. They believe that minority groups are by their nature different and alien.
3. They believe that they have a proprietary claim to privilege, power, and prestige.
4. They have a fear and suspicion that minority groups have designs on dominant group benefits. (Williams 1964)

THE DEFINITION OF MINORITY GROUPS (OUT-GROUPS):

1. They are oppressed or persecuted at the hands of a dominant group, and as a result of the power differential that develops, they are disadvantaged, and the dominant group is advantaged.
2. They are distinguished by physical or cultural traits that distinguish them from the dominant group, allowing them to be easily "lumped" together and "placed" is less desirable locations.
3. They are self-conscious, with an idea of one-ness or peoplehood, based upon the perception of common suffering and burdens.
4. Membership is not voluntary, but is instead an ascribed position where the person is born into this status.
5. By choice or necessity, they usually marry within their own group (endogamy). It is by choice to preserve ...