Final answer:
When individuals closely identify with a group, it is typically a primary group, which includes close relations with frequent interactions and shared identity. These groups shape our identity and behaviors, and studying them is a key aspect of sociology. The evolution of pro-social behaviors and biases like tribal thinking can affect how we relate to information and other groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we find ourselves identifying closely with a group, it is probably a primary group. Primary groups are those with which we have close ties, complex relationships, and we interact with them frequently. They play a crucial role in shaping our identity, values, and practices. For example, family is a primary social group composed of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption, forming an emotional and economic unit of society.
Moreover, we often exhibit pro-social behaviors within these groups, such as seeking approval, showing loyalty, and maintaining status within the group. These tendencies come from our evolutionary background, where forming groups and aligning ourselves with like-minded individuals increased our chances of survival. However, they can also lead to biases such as tribal thinking and the bandwagon fallacy, which hinder our ability to evaluate information objectively.
It's important to recognize that groups largely define how we see ourselves and how we relate to the world. Sociologists study these group dynamics extensively because whether they are as broad as affiliation with a political party or as specific as a club for folk dancers, groups influence our lives in significant ways.