Viiteryhminä

Viiteryhminä, meaning "reference groups" in Finnish, refers to social groups that individuals use as a standard for self-evaluation and for shaping their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. These groups can be real or imagined, and they serve as a source of comparison for an individual's own characteristics, achievements, and social standing.

Sociologist Robert Merton first introduced the concept of reference groups. He distinguished between primary reference groups, which are typically small, intimate, and characterized by face-to-face interaction, such as family and close friends, and secondary reference groups, which are larger, more formal, and less personal, like professional organizations or political parties.

Individuals may use a reference group in two main ways. A normative function occurs when the group influences an individual's norms and values, guiding their conduct. A comparative function arises when the group serves as a benchmark against which the individual measures their own attributes and achievements.

The influence of a reference group can be positive or negative. Positive influence occurs when the group's norms and values are seen as desirable and lead to beneficial behavioral changes. Negative influence happens when an individual feels inadequate or dissatisfied by comparing themselves to a reference group, potentially leading to feelings of envy or a desire to adopt behaviors that may not be constructive. The choice of reference group is often influenced by factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and personal aspirations.