For a high-school student, Tim is highly concerned about environmental issues. He is a strong supporter of the garbage recycling and afforestation campaigns taken up by the environmental activists in his neighborhood. He wants to become a full time volunteer for their upcoming wildlife protection program and has even saved money to contribute to the cause. This group of environmental activists can be categorized under which of the following reference groups?

A) primary group

B) secondary group

C) aspirational group

D) dissociative group

E) cognitive group

The correct answer is C) Aspirational group

Explanation:

An aspirational group refers to a group an individual wants to join. This is usually because the individual considers the values, ideas, practices, and behavior of the group are positive or fit his/her ideas and values. Additionally, aspirational groups are part of reference groups (groups that individuals use as standards) and include groups in which there are interaction and sense of identity or groups that include people with common features but not interaction.

In the case presented, the environmental activists are an aspirational group because Tim wants to join this group and considers the values, ideas, etc. of this group are ideal, this explains why Tim admires the actions of this group. Moreover, this group holds similar values, beliefs, etc. to those of the high-school student.