Final answer:
Groups attract members by providing incentives such as material benefits, which are tangible rewards for joining. AARP offers material benefits like discounts on various services to its members. Other types of incentives include purposive incentives aligning with the group's goals and solidary incentives based on social engagement with like-minded individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Groups Attract Members
Groups can attract members by providing various types of incentives that encourage individuals to join and participate actively in their initiatives. One effective strategy involves offering material benefits, which are tangible rewards exclusive to group members. For instance, AARP attracts its considerable membership by charging a nominal fee and granting material benefits such as health insurance and discounted prescription drugs.
Example of Material Benefit
An example of a material benefit is the cost savings on hotel accommodations and insurance rates offered by AARP. Members often find that the benefits outweigh the low cost of dues, thus they can save money by becoming a member.
Purposive and Solidary Incentives
Beyond material benefits, there are purposive incentives, where individuals join because they support the organization’s goals, like those who joined the ACLU following concerns over civil liberties post-9/11. Similarly, solidary incentives appeal to the enjoyment of associating with like-minded individuals, as seen in members joining the NAACP due to shared concerns over civil rights and equality.