A micro-sociological counterpart focused on smaller collectives. A Concrete Group is defined by observable, functional interaction for a common goal: a project team, a sports team, a study group. An Imaginary Group is a category imposed by outsiders or adopted as identity, where members may not interact but are lumped together by a perceived trait: "Gen Z," "suburban voters," "the 1%." The theory analyzes how being placed into an "imaginary group" can lead to stereotyping, political mobilization, or the internalization of an assigned identity.
Theory of Concrete and Imaginary Groups Example: Your weekly basketball squad is a Concrete Group; roles, performance, and interpersonal dynamics are clear. In contrast, "Influencers" or "Karens" are Imaginary Groups. These are labels applied to disparate individuals who share a few perceived behaviors. The power of the label, however, can be concrete—affecting job prospects, social treatment, and online harassment—showing how imaginary categorization creates real-world consequences.
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 6, 2026
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