Cliques

Hi, everyone! Welcome to our forum discussion on cliques. We’ll explore what cliques are, how to identify them, and what we can do to reduce their presence on the site 📝

What is a clique?

A clique is a small group of people that focus on chatting with each other and aren't willing to invite others to join the discussion they're having, therefore not making others feel welcome. It is characterized by frequent, close-knit interactions among members, with a tendency to exclude outsiders. 

Cliques may use insider language, inside jokes, or references that aren't easily understood by those outside the group, and members often conform to shared norms or opinions, fostering a sense of loyalty within the group.

They tend to share similar:

• Interests 🎶

• Values 🌿

• Beliefs 📿

  
  

What contributes to a clique?

Several factors contribute to the formation of cliques, including:

• Shared hobbies/interests

• Values

• Similarity and comfort

• Exclusivity

• Social hierarchies

Wait, isn’t that just a friendship group? 🫂

Good question, but no ❌

A friendship group pays attention to others and welcomes them to join in on the discussion/conversation. A clique doesn't do that, they want to keep the group closed and don't want new or more people to join! A clique is typically more exclusive and focused on a specific set of shared interests, often creating a sense of separation from others. It can be more rigid, sometimes forming around a specific social identity or viewpoint.

In contrast, a friendship group is usually based on mutual care, respect, and personal connection, often with more flexibility and openness to diverse interests and ideas. Friendships tend to be more emotionally supportive, while cliques can sometimes prioritize conformity and may be less open to outsiders ✅

That doesn’t sound nice…

This may be surprising to hear, but cliques can actually be beneficial to a community in several ways! They can create a sense of belonging and support, offering members a space to connect with others who share similar interests or values. This fosters deeper relationships, trust, and collaboration within the group. Cliques can also encourage focused discussions and specialized knowledge sharing, allowing members to dive deeper into niche topics. 

Additionally, they can help individuals feel more comfortable and confident in participating, as they have a smaller, more familiar group to interact with, which can promote overall community engagement. But, it’s important to assess the opposites of these factors…

Almost inevitably, if it can be positive, it can be negative. Cliques often create division and exclusion, making outsiders feel unwelcome or marginalized. This can lead to a lack of diversity in ideas and perspectives, as cliques tend to reinforce groupthink and limit open discussion. 

Additionally, cliques may foster an environment of competition rather than collaboration, where members prioritize loyalty to the group over the well-being of the broader community. In extreme cases, this can lead to toxicity, bullying, or the creation of power imbalances within the community 🙁

How can community leaders reduce cliquish behaviour?

Community leaders play a crucial role by setting the tone for inclusivity and fostering an environment of respect. They can model open communication by actively engaging with all members and ensuring everyone feels heard. Leaders can create clear guidelines that promote respectful interactions and discourage exclusivity. By encouraging diverse participation in events and discussions, leaders help break down barriers between groups and ensure no one feels left out.

Additionally, leaders can actively address negative behaviours, such as bullying or exclusion, and provide support for members who may feel marginalized. Through their actions, community leaders can cultivate a culture of inclusivity, making it clear that unity and respect are the community’s core values.

Useful Links 🦺

Cliques in Rooms -- A Mod Perspective

Say No to Cliques!

Questions To Consider…

1. Have you ever felt excluded from a clique? How did it make you feel?

2. How can individuals who feel excluded from cliques find a sense of belonging?