ABSTRACT
Exclusion and the yearning to belong-the phenomenon is well known. A state, a “folk,” an ethnic group, and other smaller constellations of people often define themselves-perhaps, necessarily define themselves-in relation to other groups. To say that they define themselves in opposition to these other groups is probably a synonymous way of putting it, although the confrontational nuances of the word opposition may be too strong. For it evokes conflict and hostility, possibly mild, but often dangerous and physical. To define one’s group affiliation, rather, in terms of its relationship, a neutral, not to say banal sounding word, to other groups carries much less baggage-or perhaps hides it better. The identity formation of two sororities at the same college makes the point nicely. They may deliberately differ in reputation (one more community-work oriented, the other more party-oriented; one Christian, the other secular; one noted for sports, like rowing, the other for non-athletic pursuits, like drama, and so on). None of these differences, relational and/or contrasting, is likely to have its consequence in violence.
