People are more likely to be accepted by a group (in-group) if they demonstrate acquiescence with the norms and values of that group. Similarities of behaviour lead to more close identification as a member of that group - in other words, group membership implies shared agreement on values, norms and standards of behaviour, a micro-culture.

When these values, norms an behaviours are challenged or rejected, the person is likely to be rapidly labelled as deviating from the “normal”, and will be increasingly excluded. We might expect this will be more likely in interdependent groups where social harmony is an important goal of action, than among independent groups, where differences should be more readily tolerated. However, both types of group will have limits for inclusion and exclusion, though these may differ slightly.