What is meant by 'out-group'?

The term 'out-group' refers to any group with which an individual does not identify. In social psychology, this concept is crucial for understanding group dynamics and intergroup relations. Out-groups are often seen as those who are outside one's own social category or group, which can lead to various psychological phenomena, such as prejudice or stereotyping.

By contrast, individuals who share the same beliefs (the in-group) are typically viewed with familiarity and tend to foster feelings of loyalty and shared identity. The idea of an out-group is instrumental in discussions about social identity theory, which posits that people categorize themselves and others into groups, influencing their behaviors and attitudes toward those groups.

The other options, while they touch upon aspects of social groups, do not accurately capture the essence of what an out-group is. Supporting social networks and specific cultural identities are more about the characteristics of groups rather than defining a group in opposition to oneself. Therefore, recognizing that an out-group comprises those outside one's immediate identification is essential for deeper social psychological analyses.