in-group and out-group

In-group and out-group are social terms that describe how people categorize others based on group membership. An in-group refers to a group with which a person identifies and feels a sense of belonging, often sharing common interests, beliefs, or traits. An out-group is any group that someone does not identify with or perceive as different or separate from their own group. These distinctions can influence behavior and perceptions, often leading to favoritism toward in-group members and bias against out-group members. Understanding these concepts helps explain social dynamics, including biases and group behavior.