Outgroup (sociology)

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In sociology, an outgroup is a social group towards which an individual feels contempt, opposition, or a desire to compete. Members of outgroups may be subject to outgroup homogeneity biases, and generally people tend to privilege ingroup members over outgroup members in many situations. The term originates from social identity theory.

As an example, in the Harry Potter stories the non-sorcerers ("Muggles") are an outgroup, although they are treated with condescension rather than contempt.