The Power of Reference Groups: Influence on College Students

The reference groups have been widely discussed in sociology and marketing literature, highlighting the significant influence that groups can have on an individual's attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making. Reference groups can be defined as a group of people that an individual uses as a source of comparison for their own beliefs, attitudes, and values. In this essay, I will explore different types of reference groups, the impact that they can have on individuals, and how they can affect the choices made by college students.

Types of Reference Groups:

There are different types of reference groups, which include both formal and informal groups, primary and secondary groups, and aspirational and dissociative groups.

Formal groups are those that are created for a specific purpose, such as a college club, a sports team, or a religious organization. In contrast, informal groups form spontaneously, based on shared interests or values, such as a group of friends or classmates.

Primary groups are those that are essential to an individual's socialization and identity formation, such as family or close friends, while secondary groups are larger and less intimate, such as a workplace or community organization.

Aspirational groups are those that an individual wishes to belong to, as they represent desirable qualities, while dissociative groups are those that an individual wants to distance themselves from, as they represent undesirable qualities.

Impact of Reference Groups:

Reference groups can have a significant impact on an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors since they serve as a benchmark for comparison. Members of a reference group can influence an individual's purchase choices, academic performance, political beliefs, and lifestyle choices through social pressure, conformity, and persuasion.

For example, if a college student is a member of a study group that encourages academic excellence, they are more likely to devote more time to studying and prioritize their grades. Similarly, if a student is part of a social group that values partying and drinking, they may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as binge drinking.

Role of Peer Pressure:

Peer pressure is an example of the influence of reference groups on individuals. It is the pressure that individuals feel to conform to the norms and expectations of their social group. Peer pressure can be both positive and negative, with positive peer pressure encouragining individuals to pursue healthy behaviors and negative peer pressure leading to unhealthy and risky behaviors.

For example, if a college student's friends pressure them to exercise and eat healthily, they may be more likely to do so themselves, contributing to improved physical and mental health. However, if a student's friends encourage them to drink excessively or use drugs, the individual may be more likely to engage in these behaviors, increasing the risk of physical and mental health problems.

Effect on College Students:

College students are especially susceptible to the influence of reference groups since they are at a stage in their lives when they are developing their identities and peer relationships. Aspirational reference groups can motivate college students to pursue academic or vocational goals, while negative reference groups can lead to poor academic performance, risky behaviors, and mental health issues.

For example, if a college student is part of a group that values academic excellence, they may be more likely to prioritize their studies and set ambitious career goals. In contrast, if they are part of a group that values partying and socializing, they may prioritize these activities over their academic responsibilities, leading to lower grades and a sense of disconnection from their career aspirations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, reference groups can have a significant impact on an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. College students are especially vulnerable to the influence of reference groups, as they are navigating their identities and social relationships during a crucial period of their lives. As such, it is essential for college students to be aware of the influence that reference groups can have and make informed decisions about the groups they choose to associate with and the behaviors they adopt.