This article is about social groups. For other uses see Clique (disambiguation).

A clique (pronounced /klik/ also /klk/ (U.S.)) is an inclusive group of people who share common interests views purposes patterns of behavior or ethnicity.1 A clique as a reference group can be either normative or comparative. Membership in a clique is typically exclusive and qualifications for membership may be social or essential to the nature of the clique. The word clique may be used pejoratively. Contents 1 Sociological interpretation 2 See also 3 References 4 External links Sociological interpretation

A normative clique or reference group is often the primary source of social interaction for the members of the clique which can affect the values and beliefs of an individual. The comparative clique or reference group is a standard of comparison in which a clique can exist in the workplace in a community in the classroom in a business or any other area of social interaction. Cliques tend to form within the boundaries of a larger group where opportunities to interact are great.2 Cliques are often associated with children and teenagers in a classroom setting. Schools are a prime place where peer networks exist and can easily be accentuated through the differentiation of various cliques and through the processes of inclusion and exclusion that characterize a clique. 3

In social network theory as well as in graph theory a clique is a subset of individuals in which every person is connected to every other person. Graphically it is a subset of points (or nodes) in which every possible pair of points is directly connected by a line and which is not part of any other clique.4 See also Look up clique in Wiktionary the free dictionary. Adolescence Bullying Clan lite Elitism Gang Youth subculture Milieu control Peer group Personal Network Queen bee (subculture) Social control theory Social network References Jones E. E.; Gerard H. B. (1967). Foundations of Social Psychology. New York: Wiley Books.  Hallinan Maureen T.; Smith Stevens S (June 1989). "Classroom Characteristics and Student Friendship Cliques". Social Forces (University of North Carolina Press) 67 (4): 898919. doi:10.2307/2579707. http://jstor.org/stable/2579707.  Adler Patricia A. Steven J. Kless and Peter Adler (1992). "Socialization to Gender Roles: Popularity among Elementary School Boys and Girls". Sociology of Education (American Sociological Association) 65 (3): 169187. doi:10.2307/2112807. JSTOR 2112807.  Scott J. (2000). Social network analysis. London: Sage Publications. External links Social weapons - ostracism and intimidation A clique first-aid kit for parentsen:Clique