Four students describe why they joined a group. Study the table given below. Whose reason shows that group membership broadens our view by adding to what we know?
| Student | Group joined | What the student says |
|---|---|---|
| Asha | An evening walking group | Walking with others at night, I feel protected. |
| Kabir | The school debate team | When our team won, I felt proud and better than others. |
| Leela | The residents' association | Together we got the broken road repaired; none of us could do it alone. |
| Imran | A science club | Members tell me things about careers that I did not know. |
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Imran
Option (1) Asha — Incorrect. Asha feels protected with others at night. This is <strong>security</strong>: groups reduce the insecurity we feel when alone.
Option (2) Kabir — Incorrect. Kabir feels proud and better than others after his team wins. This is <strong>status</strong>: belonging to a group others see as important brings recognition.
Option (3) Leela — Incorrect. Leela's group did what no single family could. This is <strong>goal achievement</strong>: groups reach goals that cannot be attained individually.
Option (4) Imran — Correct. Imran learns things he did not know. Groups <strong>provide knowledge and information</strong> that an individual may lack, and so <strong>broaden our view</strong>.
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. Being a member of prestigious groups enhances one’s self-concept.” “• Satisfaction of one’s psychological and social needs : Groups satisfy one’s social and psychological needs such as sense of belongingness, giving and receiving attention, love, and power through a group.” “• Goal achievement : Groups help in achieving such goals which cannot be attained individually. There is power in the majority.” “• Provide knowledge and information : Group membership provides knowledge and information and thus broadens our view. As individuals, we may not have all the required information. Groups supplement this information and knowledge.” |