Consider the following statements about why people join groups:
(A) Status: we feel recognised and experience a sense of power when our group is perceived to be important by others.
(B) Self-esteem: groups provide feelings of self-worth and establish a positive social identity.
(C) Security: being with people makes us feel stronger and more vulnerable to threats.
(D) Status: a student feels proud and thinks she is better than others when her school wins an inter-institutional debate competition.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Only three
(A) Status: we feel recognised and experience a sense of power when our group is perceived to be important by others. — Correct. Being part of a group that others see as important gives us recognition and a sense of power. This is the status reason.
(B) Self-esteem: groups provide feelings of self-worth and establish a positive social identity. — Correct. Groups give a feeling of self-worth and a positive social identity. This is the self-esteem reason.
(C) Security: being with people makes us feel stronger and more vulnerable to threats. — Incorrect. Groups reduce insecurity, so people feel stronger and less vulnerable to threats. The statement reverses the direction.
(D) Status: a student feels proud and thinks she is better than others when her school wins an inter-institutional debate competition. — Correct. Pride in the school's win, and feeling better than others, comes from belonging to an important group. This is status.
NCERT (2026-27): “Why Do People Join Groups? … “• Security : When we are alone, we feel insecure. Groups reduce this insecurity. Being with people gives a sense of comfort, and protection. As a result, people feel stronger, and are less vulnerable to threats.” “• Status : When we are members of a group that is perceived to be important by others, we feel recognised and experience a sense of power. Suppose your school wins in an inter - institutional debate competition, you feel proud and think that you are better than others.” “• Self-esteem : Groups provide feelings of self-worth and establish a positive social identity. …” |