What does the term 'in-group' refer to?

The term 'in-group' refers to the group with which an individual identifies as a member. This concept is foundational in social psychology, reflecting the idea that individuals categorize themselves and others into social groups based on various characteristics such as ethnicity, nationality, religion, or shared interests.

When people belong to an in-group, they often experience a sense of belonging, loyalty, and positive feelings towards their group members, which can enhance their self-esteem and social identity. The dynamics of in-group vs. out-group can lead to favoritism towards in-group members and bias against those not perceived as part of the group, which impacts social relations and group behavior.

In contrast, the idea of not identifying with a group is described in the other option, which refers to 'out-groups'; this represents people outside of one’s own social group and can often lead to negative perceptions or stereotypes. Random collections of individuals do not carry the same psychological significance as in-groups in terms of identity and group dynamics. While competitive groups can certainly exist, the essential definition of an in-group hinges on the identification and belonging of an individual, rather than just rivalry with others. Thus, identifying with a group forms the basis for understanding social behavior and interactions within that group framework.