Reference groups are the groups of people against whom we wish to be judged. They set a standard by which we judge our own attitudes and actions. Family, friends, and coworkers are significant reference groups. Those in the media, such as celebrities, can also be a reference group. 

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- In-groups and Out-groups
- Primary and Secondary Groups
- Reference Groups

Types of Social Groups

Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Apellbaum, R.P., Carr, D. (2017). Essentials of Sociology (6th ed., pp. 130-132). New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Essentials of Sociology

Primary groups are distinguished by the closest, most basic, and intimate forms of association. Examples of primary groups include family and friends. These people can have long-lasting effects on the development of our social selves. Secondary groups are characterized by large, impersonal forms of association. Examples of secondary groups include schools and workplace organizations. We usually play a specific role in a secondary group instead of "being ourselves."

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