Group identities are invariably reinforced by reference to outsiders

Evidence

The fact that the word was invented by outsiders does not imply that those who identified with it could nor adopt it as their own. Identities are invariably reinforced by reference to outsiders, and no social or psychological law decrees that insiders should necessarily provide the linguistic tool kit with which a self-conscious identity can be constructed. — Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Business of…, 356

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to Bourdieu on naming and symbolic power, and to the reader’s private-protection thesis: the label itself is a trademark-like signal. — connects to: Every act of imitation within a group simultaneously distinguishes that group from outsiders — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 168; People display originality within group conventions to signal difference safely — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 178; Unwanted imitation by outsiders drives groups to abandon contaminated conventions — W. David Marx, Status and Culture: How Our Desire for…, 132 (+1 more)