Meaning is largely a function of the contexts within which events occur. Contexts can be thought of as settings which give meaning to events. To do so, they must first be recognisable. The most basic contexts are those in which discomfort is removed and in which comfort is acquired.

These are usually associated with social contact. Our first relationship with our caretaker is our model for later life. The further away in time events are, even social events, the less influence they tend to exert on us.

How we think and feel about our self is derived from how others behave towards us. This is the primary childhood influence on the model of self we construct - a self that is secure and feels okay, or one that is uncertain and not okay. This, then, affects how we present and interact with others in a variety of complex ways.

The point of all this is that individuals and groups mutually interpenetrate and “in-form” one an other and the means they use to do this are language and the nature of the relationships that people share with one another. These are determined by the commonly shared values and norms of behaviour held to be acceptable within the group of which you are a member (the in-group). Agreement and acquiescence with these norms of behaviour will help you retain your membership of the group. Rejection of these norms will result in your ejection from the group (you will become an out-group member.