Final answer:
The function of friendship in providing information about one's status in their groups is related to the concept of reference groups. These groups are benchmarks for individuals to evaluate their social status and can influence conformity within their social network.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Sullivan, one function of friendship is to help provide information about where one stands in the group. This concept, which relates broadly to social interactions and comparisons within various social circles, can be termed as reference group. Reference groups serve as a standard or benchmark for individuals to evaluate their own social status, beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes. These groups can exist in various forms such as clubs, teams, social circles, or even larger societal norms.
Moreover, Sociologist William Sumner's concepts of in-groups and out-groups also contribute to our understanding of social dynamics within these reference groups. As humans, we tend to align ourselves with groups that reinforce our identity and can experience both inclusion and exclusion, influencing our interactions and behaviors.
Friendships, in this sociological perspective, can thus facilitate emotional support, and social solidarity, and help with conformity to the shared norms of one's social ties, contributing to a person's role within their social network.