Answer to Question #89988 in Sociology for bushra

Question

Social groups and organizations comprise a basic part of every arena of modern life. Thus, in the
last 50 years or so, sociologists have taken a special interest in studying these. A social group is a
collection of people who interact with each other and share similar characteristics and a sense of
unity. There are different types of groups that are being segregated on the basis of their
characteristics and goal orientations. Sometimes these identities overlap and interchanged.
Keeping in mind this, you are supposed to go through the Pakistan Super League (2019)
teams’ formation. Select any two teams of your choice and identify the following types of
groups along with justification:
1. In-group
2. Out-group
3. Secondary group
4. Reference group

Answer 1

Introduction

           The Pakistani Super League is a cricket competition that draws in both local and international players into different teams. The players are called upon to share the common goal of enabling their team to win, in a highly competitive league. The teams are thus social groups, since a social group is constituted by individuals who interact frequently and share characteristics and a sense of unity (Jans et al, 2015). Two of the outstanding teams are the Karachi Kings and Islamabad United. This paper analyzes the in-groups, out groups, secondary groups and reference groups identified in the context of these two teams.

In-Groups

           In-groups are social groups with which a person identifies himself (Jans et al, 2015). The Karachi Kings team is an in-group for its players, as is the Islamabad United team. The 2019 selection of the two teams shows that Karachi Kings had 15 Pakistani and 7 foreign players; while Islamabad United had 13 Pakistani and 9 foreign players (ICC, 2019). These players, though with diverse backgrounds, identify strongly with the team objective of working together to win. This gives them a strong sense of identity and enhances cohesion in the team.

Out-Groups

           An out-group is that which a person does not identify with (Jans et al, 2015). The two teams see each other, and other teams in the league as rivals and thus out-groups. The players and fans thus do not identify with such teams. They see them as others, which brings in the bitter team rivalries between teams and their fans.

Secondary Groups

           A secondary group is a loosely constituted group within which there are smaller groups with tighter bonds of identity. In the face of the in-groups which form within the cricket teams, the league itself is a secondary group for all the teams. Identity bonds are thus stronger within the in-groups than in the league itself.

Reference Groups

           These are groups which other groups compare themselves to and want to emulate. Karachi Kings and Islamabad United are reference groups to each other. Even though they are rivals, they still strive to emulate each other’s success over the years and outdo each other. They are also reference groups for other teams in the league.

Conclusion

           The Pakistan cricket league teams Karachi Kings and Islamabad United are strong in-groups in themselves for their players. They are out-groups for each other, because of the fierce rivalry that exists between them. The league itself is a large secondary group for all the teams in the league. Finally, the two teams act as reference groups for each other, and for other teams in the league, which want to emulate their success. 

References

ICC. (2019). “PSL 2019 to Start on 14^th February”. Retrieved 20/5/2019 from: https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/851236.

Jackson, L. M. (2011). The Psychology of Prejudice: From Attitudes to Social Action. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. pp. 110–112.

Jans, L. et al. (2015). The development of group influence on in-group identification: A multilevel approach. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations. 8(2): 190-209.