ingroups
Us versus them
Ingroups are social groups to which a person feels they belong—defined by shared identity, interests, or characteristics.
The term appears mainly in sociology and psychology, contrasting with outgroups (those seen as different or excluded).
People typically favor ingroups, showing bias toward members and viewing outsiders with suspicion: Sports rivalries illustrate ingroup loyalty at its most tribal.
Exclusive social circle
- cabalScheming political faction
- cliqueExclusive social group
- factionGroup within group
- inner circleExclusive group of confidants
elite · exclusive · clannish · sect · gang · pack · ring · cronyism
State of belonging
- identityWho someone is
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- inclusionBeing made part
- belongingState of fitting in
connection · attachment · allegiance · affinity · kinship · bonding · integration · assimilation
Spirit of brotherly connection
- sororityWomen's collegiate social organization
- guildProfessional mutual-aid society
- associationGroup with shared aim
- clubOrganization with membership
union · league · brotherhood · sisterhood · lodge · society · order · chapter
Wholeness through cohesion
- solidarityUnity among allies
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- mutual supportAid flowing both directions
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
teamwork · collaboration · consensus · esprit de corps · shared values · common ground · collective action · reciprocity
Social group sharing ancestry
- clanRelated group sharing ancestry
- ethnosCulturally unified population
- folkRegular common people
- familyRelated people together
extended family · nation · people · diaspora · subculture · congregation · parish · commune
coterie
Exclusive social circle
inner circle · elite · exclusive · clannish · sect · gang · pack · ring · cronyism · nepotism
membership
State of belonging
- identityWho someone is
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- inclusionBeing made part
belonging · connection · attachment · allegiance · affinity · kinship · bonding · integration · assimilation · identification
fraternity
Spirit of brotherly connection
- sororityWomen's collegiate social organization
- guildProfessional mutual-aid society
- associationGroup with shared aim
club · union · league · brotherhood · sisterhood · lodge · society · order · chapter · federation
unity
Wholeness through cohesion
- solidarityUnity among allies
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- mutual supportAid flowing both directions
cooperation · teamwork · collaboration · consensus · esprit de corps · shared values · common ground · collective action · reciprocity · interdependence
tribe
Social group sharing ancestry
family · extended family · nation · people · diaspora · subculture · congregation · parish · commune · collective
ingroupsoutgroups
Excluded social categories
out-groups · outsiders · non-members · them · outcasts