ingroup
/'ingru:p/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An exclusive circle of people with a common purpose: A small, often closed, social group whose members share strong bonds, common interests, or a shared identity, typically distinguishing themselves from others.
Usage
- The term "ingroup" is used in social psychology and sociology to describe a group with which an individual feels a sense of identity, belonging, and loyalty. It is often contrasted with the "outgroup."
- It functions as a countable noun.
Examples
- Noun:
- In high school, she was part of a tight-knit ingroup that shared a passion for science fiction.
- The management's decision was influenced by a small ingroup of senior advisors.
- The study examined how loyalty to an ingroup can sometimes lead to prejudice against outsiders.
Advanced Usage
- "Ingroup bias": The tendency to favor one's own group over other groups.
- The experiment clearly demonstrated ingroup bias, as participants consistently rated members of their own team more highly.
- "Ingroup favoritism": A pattern of behavior where people give preferential treatment to members of their own group.
- Ingroup favoritism in hiring practices can limit diversity and innovation within a company.
Variants and Related Words
- In-group (noun): An alternative spelling with a hyphen.
- The dynamics within the in-group were complex and hierarchical.
- Outgroup (noun): A social group to which an individual does not identify or belong.
- Conflicts often arise from perceived differences between the ingroup and the outgroup.
Synonyms
- Clique: A small, exclusive group of people.
- Inner circle: A small group of people who control an organization or are closest to its center of power.
- Coterie: A small group of people with shared interests or tastes, especially one that is exclusive of others.
Related Phrases
- "Inner sanctum": A private or secret place to which only a select few are admitted; can metaphorically refer to an ingroup.
- Only members of the founder's inner sanctum knew about the planned merger.
- "Old boys' club": An informal system where men from similar social backgrounds help each other, often in business or politics; a type of ingroup.
- The industry was criticized for operating like an old boys' club, making it difficult for women to advance.
Noun
- an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose