Citation:
Reference groups are social groups that individuals use as a standard to evaluate themselves and their behavior. They influence an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, serving as benchmarks for social comparison.
The portion of an individual's self-concept derived from perceived membership in a relevant social group.
Social Comparison: The process by which people compare themselves to others to assess worthiness, success, abilities, or opinions.
Unwritten rules established by societies or groups that guide behavior without the need for formal laws