What is the focus of social comparison?

The focus of social comparison is best captured by the evaluation of one's in-group against out-groups. This concept originates from social psychology, where individuals assess their own social standing or attributes by comparing themselves to others, particularly those in different social groups. This comparison often serves to reinforce group identity and self-esteem, as individuals may feel more positive about themselves when they perceive their in-group as superior to an out-group.

While self-reflection, forming alliances, and adapting behaviors are important social behaviors, they don't specifically define the core mechanism of social comparison. Self-reflection primarily involves an individual's introspective assessment rather than a comparison with others. Forming alliances with similar groups emphasizes collaboration and unity rather than the competitive aspect that social comparison entails. Adjusting behavior to align with societal norms relates to conformity and social influence rather than evaluating social groups against one another, which is the essence of social comparison.