A clique (AusE, CanE, UK: /ˈkliːk/ or US: /ˈklɪk/; French: [klik]), in the social sciences, is a small group of individuals who interact with one another and share similar interests rather than include others.
[3] Typically, people in a clique will not have a completely open friend group and can, therefore, "ban" members if they do something considered unacceptable, such as talking to someone disliked.
Some cliques tend to isolate themselves as a group and view themselves as superior to others, which can be demonstrated through bullying and other antisocial behaviors.
[4] Within the concepts of sociology, cliques are a formation of two or more individuals who share bonding characteristics that allow for them to identify with one another to form a social network.
Cliques are relevant in society due to the social influence or peer pressure that results from the interactions with individuals who share a common characteristic.
A stronger level of commitment results in an individual having a reduced amount of interaction with other social groups.
Cliquish behavior often involves repetition concerning activities, vernacular, preferences, and manner, resulting in conflict with other cliques, creating "outsiders."
Individuals can also experience social isolation within their own clique if their values and/or behavior begin to differ from the rest of the group.
This usually causes one to gain confidence by being surrounded by people who share similar interests, and it may cause an individual to feel more socially accepted[citation needed].
Interactions among members of a clique can also lead to organized social events, such as parties, significant dates, or private meetings.
Tina Abbott in her book "Social and Personality Development" describes how these members conform to their specific group.
[11] Informal clique networks are groups that do not have a legitimate organizational structure in which they can be established and dissolved in a shorter time period.
A formal clique is composed of members who have identifiable roles and interactions with one another and is found in numerous professional organizations, businesses, and even family structure.
[15] A clique may inhibit external social influence by impacting the emotions, opinions, or behaviors of group members.