Groups typically deal with issues specific to their group. For instance, the group at my law school often helped throw diversity pipeline programs, hosted diversity outreach events, etc.JXander wrote:Next question: is the collective identity of the various members of these organizations relevant to what they do (as a part of the organization)? I can maybe see this being the case for Christian Legal Societies or LGBT legal organizations, but how does this fit for associations like BLSA or even predominantly female groups?
People often use these groups because they have an interest in issues affecting those groups. Gay rights, discrimination issues, etc. Consequently, you might join an identity group that you don't actually share the identity of.
I joined the groups mainly so I could put it on my resume (just being bluntly honest). However, in my defense, I did and still do contribute to pipeline programs.