Final answer:
In-groups are social groups with which individuals identify and experience a sense of belonging, while out-groups are those that individuals do not identify with and often view negatively. These concepts are important for understanding personal identity and group dynamics involving inclusion, exclusion, and prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
An in-group is a social group with which an individual identifies and feels a sense of belonging. The individual believes that the in-group is an integral part of who they are. Examples of in-groups include sports teams, unions, and sororities. These groups can wield power and influence by including or excluding members and serve as a reference point for personal identity.
In contrast, an out-group is a social formation that an individual does not identify with and often views as less worthy or less desirable than their own group. This perception can lead to competition or disdain towards the out-group. Out-groups can consist of subordinate groups or those with less power than the dominant group within society. The dynamics between in-groups and out-groups can contribute to behaviors like ethnocentrism, racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice.
It's important to understand the impact of group affiliations, as they largely define how individuals view themselves and their relationships to others in a society. Both in-groups and out-groups play significant roles in shaping attitudes and behaviors within primary and secondary groups.