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Membership
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The Group
The group is crucial to survival of the individual, both physically and as a social being, that is, as a body and as a self. This is most obvious in the case of children and disabled persons who cannot care for themselves. Even single cell organisms form groups or colonies, in some cases with their own kind, and in some cases in symbiosis with other organisms. However, the group also forms a cultural framework within which people can develop their identity, that is, their self concept. A group has its own reality, independent of the individuals that form it. A group of more than two persons is immortal. Even if one individual leaves or dies, the group's culture can reproduce itself. The fundamental requirement for collective survival is the satisfaction of the basic human needs for sex and companionship. Our existence as social beings rests upon the function of a cultural system, that provides for our physical and psychological needs, through all stages of the life cycle. Our needs for friendship, and to participate in coalitions and social hierarchies also enhances the chances that our genes will survive into the future. Such social needs may result in ostracizing cheaters, promoting group cohesion, and making in-group/out-group distinctions. Thus, the survival needs of cells may manifest themselves in terms of status, prestige, and reputation needs of the self. While we may not be aware of the role we play in species survival, the associated drives result in the care we feel for those around us and the conflicts we encounter in daily life. These are generators of meaning for us as persons.
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