Final answer:
Humans have an intrinsic tendency to form social groups and cliques due to social, evolutionary, and survival-based reasons such as sharing knowledge, distributing work, and fostering cooperation. As societies grow, the dynamics of in-groups can lead to exclusivity and socio-political complexities while large group formations risk fragmentation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humans are inherently social creatures and have a natural desire to form cliques and social groups. This desire dates back to early human history when survival often necessitated forming groups for activities such as childrearing and food procurement. Group cohesion was essential in hunter-gatherer societies where every individual had clear responsibilities within their band, and information was shared intimately within these close-knit circles.
As societies have evolved, the formation of in-groups persists even in settings like workplaces or college campuses, where people may align themselves with others of similar rank, interest, or lifestyle. In-group favoritism can lead to more complex social dynamics, such as exclusion and socio-political maneuvering for group status. Even as groups grow larger, seeking to achieve common goals, the potential for divisions and reduced coherence increases, highlighting the delicate balance of social cohesion and fragmentation.
The proclivity to form groups with which an individual shares values and practices is rooted in cognitive biases and an evolutionary advantage promoting survival. Social alignment facilitates the sharing of knowledge and effective distribution of work, increasing the likelihood of group survival. However, this tribal tendency can also result in viewing those outside the group as a threat, thereby reinforcing in-group loyalty while fostering animosity toward out-group members.