The table given below records what four Class XII students said about a group they belong to. Which student's statement shows self-esteem as the reason for being in the group?
| Student | What the student says about the group |
|---|---|
| Asha | When I walk home with the other girls from my tuition class, I feel safe and less afraid. |
| Ravi | Since I joined the district cricket academy, people in my colony treat me with respect and I feel I have some power. |
| Kabir | Since I was chosen for the well-known school choir, I feel much better about myself and the kind of person I am. |
| Meena | The seniors in our quiz club keep telling me about exams and books I had never heard of. |
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Kabir
Option (1) Asha — Incorrect. Feeling safe while walking home with others shows security. Groups reduce the insecurity we feel when alone and give a sense of comfort and protection.
Option (2) Ravi — Incorrect. Respect from people in the colony and a sense of power show status. Status comes from being in a group that others see as important, so we feel recognised.
Option (3) Kabir — Correct. Self-esteem means that groups give feelings of self-worth and a positive social identity. Being in a well-known choir has raised Kabir's own view of himself, which is how a prestigious group enhances one's self-concept.
Option (4) Meena — Incorrect. Learning about exams and books from seniors shows knowledge and information. Groups add to the information that a single person may not have.
Note: Status and self-esteem differ: status is recognition by others; self-esteem is how a person values himself.
NCERT (2026-27): “Why Do People Join Groups? … “• 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.” |