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.

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.