Negative reference groups are a type of social group that people use to compare themselves to and gain a sense of identity. This type of group is associated with negative feelings, such as anxiety, envy, and feelings of inferiority. The concept of negative reference groups has been studied in various fields, such as sociology, psychology, and consumer behavior. This article examines the concept of negative reference groups and how it manifests in different contexts.
In sociology, negative reference groups are defined as “groups to which individuals compare themselves in order to attain a sense of identity, but which are associated with negative feelings, such as anxiety, envy, and feelings of inferiority” (Kish, 1987, p. 672). This type of group is often used to compare oneself to in order to boost one’s own self-esteem, and can be based on physical characteristics, class, or social status. For example, an individual who is economically disadvantaged may compare themselves to wealthier individuals in order to feel better about their own situation.
In psychology, the concept of negative reference groups is closely related to the idea of social comparison. Social comparison is a process in which people assess their abilities, beliefs, and attitudes by comparing themselves to others in order to gain a better understanding of themselves (Gibson, 2008). Negative reference groups can be used to make these comparisons, resulting in feelings of inferiority or anxiety.
In consumer behavior, negative reference groups have been found to influence the purchasing decisions of individuals. For example, a study by Kim and Park (2010) found that individuals who felt they were in a lower social class compared themselves to those in higher social classes, resulting in negative emotions such as envy and feelings of inferiority. This in turn led to the purchase of luxury items in order to gain a sense of status.
In conclusion, negative reference groups are a type of social group that people use to compare themselves to and gain a sense of identity. They are associated with negative feelings such as anxiety, envy, and feelings of inferiority, and can manifest in different contexts such as sociology, psychology, and consumer behavior.
References
Gibson, B. E. (2008). Social comparison theory. In J. E. Grusec & L. Kuczynski (Eds.), Handbook of socialization: Theory and research (pp. 418-437). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Kim, S., & Park, J. (2010). The effects of envy and social comparison on luxury product purchase intentions. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 29(3), 439-446.
Kish, L. (1987). Negative reference groups: An explanation of delinquency. Social Forces, 66(2), 671-684.