What term best describes the group a person uses to measure their own social worth?

The term that best describes the group a person uses to measure their own social worth is a reference group. Reference groups serve as benchmarks for individuals, guiding their behaviors, beliefs, and self-evaluations. When individuals assess their own social standing, they often compare themselves to the values, norms, and accomplishments of those within their reference group. This comparison helps shape identity and self-perception.

Independent of the reference group, a primary group consists of close, personal relationships characterized by emotional ties, such as family and best friends. A secondary group tends to be more impersonal, organized around specific functions or objectives, such as a workplace or professional association. An aggregate refers to a collection of individuals who are in the same place at the same time but do not interact significantly or share a common identity. Thus, while all these terms relate to social relationships, the concept of a reference group specifically emphasizes the influence of comparative standards on self-worth.