ABSTRACT
People are social beings that generally identify with groups they belong to, and sometimes with groups they do not belong to. These can be referred to as belongingness reference groups and non-belongingness reference groups. They overlap many times, but not always. People may not belong to a social group and still use that group as a reference group to derive the criteria and standards they need in making decisions about courses of action or judgments. 1 Usually these are aspirational groups. Individuals may identify with these groups without necessarily being part of them because they serve as role models, or they have similar values, or because they represent success or other reward experiences.
