Answer:
They serve as our groups of reference.
Step-by-step explanation:
Groups of reference can be understood in social and group psychology as the groups to which we identify with. These groups help us as individuals to build our own identity by providing us with values, common goals, principles, and collective characteristics.
The groups that we are part of shape who we are and also shapes the social perception (Either negative, positive or neutral) that other people have about us as individuals.
Groups, such as families, schools, neighborhoods, and nations affect how others think about us because they give us identity when we are part of a group we acquire the characteristics of said group and that helps people create their opinions about us as individuals.